Health experts and practitioners in Sri Lanka termed the country’s Covid-19 data unreliable, citing considerable delays in getting RT-PCR test results.

Public Health Inspectors Union said the current data doesn’t reflect the actual situation of the Covid situation in the island nation. 

“The cases being reported at present are of the PCR results released four days ago. If we are to get an idea of the country’s situation in terms of COVID-19, it is vital to set up a mechanism, which enables the quick release of PCR results from laboratories,” PHIs Union President Upul Rohana was quoted by the Daily Mirror as saying.

The union claimed the actual situation is more “dreadful” than what is being shown through PCR reports. “Therefore, the Health authorities must take pertinent measures to create a mechanism that would comfortably manipulate the swift release of PCR results,” Rohana was quoted as saying by Daily Mirror. 
 
The union also urged people not to venture out for no reason and asked them to avoid large gatherings. The government has already banned gatherings, including religious events and marriage ceremonies in the country. 

“People must act with utmost responsibility. Otherwise, the country could be dragged to a point where the situation would be out of bounds,” Rohana said.