SENG PHOO — A new laboratory to test for coronavirus in Taunggyi is expected to be operational by mid-July.

Dr Poe Poe Lin, a disease specialist, said once the new lab at Sao San Htun hospital is up and running it will be able to test 96 samples simultaneously and deliver results within a few hours.

The facility will also test for other viruses. He explained that although “WHO has recognized this laboratory for testing COVID-19” their testing equipment will be able to detect other viruses.

“We can test both COVID-19 and influenza at the same time,” says Dr Poe Poe Lin.

Through the National Health Laboratory (NHL) in Yangon, Dr Poe Poe Lin says Sao San Htun Hospital requested help from WHO to build the lab in the Shan State capital.

Previously, the NHL was the only facility in the country to test for the virus.

Another lab for testing coronavirus is being installed in Lashio.