Rapid antigen tests in 11 Western province exit points

The Government has increased conducting of rapid antigen tests from three to eleven Western province exit points, Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said.

Initially three mobile units consisting of health and police officials will be stationed at Nittambuwa on Colombo-Kandy road, Salawa, Kosgama on the Avissawella-Colombo road and in Katunayake on the Colombo-Chilaw road.

Rapid antigen tests are conducted in Kochchikade, Giriulla, Kotadeniyawa road, Meerigama-Warakapola road, Matugama-Meegahatenna road, Bentota bridge, Kirindiwela-Avissawella road, and in Elpitiya and Ruwanwella areas as well. Rapid antigen testing is also taking place near the Welipenna exit point of the Southern expressway.

The Police Spokesman requested those travelling to outstations to support health, police and military personnel stationed to conduct antigen tests.

"This measure was taken to control the spreading of COVID to other areas from those travelling from Western province for holidays," he said.

Since testing at exit points began on Monday (21), 17 COVID positive persons have been detected.