Sri Lanka today (July 5th) records the lowest single-day coronavirus cases after 2 months as only 869 COVID cases reported including 53 overseas returnees cases. Joint Federation of Supplementary Medical Services comprising 13 trade unions has launched a continuous strike based on several demands. Due to the strike, it was reported that the PCR testing and lab activities at many hospitals severely hampered. On July 4th, Sri Lanka conducted only 9,279 PCR tests while July 5th 15,780 PCRs.

According to official stats Sri Lanka’s weekly average of PCR tests show about 16,000 per day. Test positivity rate has declined from 15.0% to 10%.

Meanwhile about 18 Delta Covid-19 variant patients reported in the country from Colombo, Galle, Matara & Trincomalee Districts.

Dr. Chandima Jeewandara says ‘The threat is not over yet” Delta variant, the most transmissible variant yet poses a major threat to unvaccinated or partially vaccinated. Adhering to mitigating measures until a significant percentage is fully vaccinated is important.