According to the new guidelines, a negative on-arrival PCR test result is no longer required from fully vaccinated (both doses of a Covid-19 vaccine) passengers arriving in the country with a pre-embarkation negative PCR test from the country of origin in terms of travel. Fully vaccinated tourists and Sri Lankans having a negative PCR test result at the point of embarkation will no longer need to get a PCR test at the BIA. “However, the rapid PCR test facility would be operated for departing passengers and for the public under the same rate.”The lab was opened at the BIA on 23 September and was expected to carry out 500 PCR tests per hour and 7,000 PCR tests per day for a charge of $ 40 per traveller. Sooriyaarachchi added that the rate would be low for the public in the future, since they have to operate under the new fixed rates for PCR tests that were introduced by the Government in September. This method of testing replaces the previous procedure that required the arrivals to wait for 24 to 48 hours at a hotel until their PCR test results are released.

Source: The Nation October 05, 2021 21:56 UTC