ALs and COVID management

The Director of the Family Health Bureau, Dr. Chithramalee de Silva told Friday’s media briefing at the Health Promotion Bureau (HPB): The Advanced Level (AL) examination is being conducted around the country and children diagnosed with COVID-19 too are sitting the exam.

There are 29 hospitals/intermediate care centres spread across all districts which are doubling up as exam centres. The positive children are admitted to these institutions a day prior to the exam.

After 7 days, depending on RT-PCR or antigen test results, these students will be discharged and can come from home for the exam. Children with symptoms who have not yet undergone testing to confirm positivity, are isolated from other children, when sitting for the exam.

All examination centres have a separate section for children who have been first contacts of COVID-19 patients; those who have respiratory illnesses; or those who are in isolation.