Even those who have received the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccination will be subject to a Rapid Antigen Test by health officials who have been deployed at all the entry and exit points of the Western Province; Army Chief and Head of the National Operations Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 (NOCPCO) General Shavendra Silva said.

Even the public who are entering or exiting the Western Province may carry the vaccination cards, they will be subject to the tests as the vaccination did not assure anyone from not contracting the COVID-19; he added.

Random Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) were conducted at 12 entry and exit points from and to the Western Province on individuals until further notice due to the rapid spread of the new variant of the COVID-19.