Eighty-eight contacts of the Divulapitiya COVID-19 patient have been tested positive for COVID-19 infection, Head of the National Operation Centre for the Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOPCO) Army Commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva confirmed.

The Government Information Department confirmed that all these 88 cases are employees of a garment factory where the Divulapitiya COVID-19 patient was employed at. Health Ministry sources said that all possible measures are being taken to prevent further transmission and in the interest of preserving national security. The health authorities are aggressively engaged in contact tracing, PCR testing and facilitating any isolation, hospitalizations and quarantine measures to be taken.

A 39-year-old woman, employed at the Minuwangoda garment factory tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus on Sunday (4) and is currently receiving treatment at Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) in Angoda. PCR test results confirmed that her 16-year-old daughter had also contracted the virus and has been admitted to the IDH on Sunday (04) evening. Issuing an urgent press release considering the identified cluster in Minuwangoda, the Health Ministry stressed the importance of preventing further transmission.

The Public is informed to support the efforts being taken and to comply with the instructions given in the Health Ministry website.

The Ministry urged the general public to follow the Ministry website: http://www.health.gov.lk/moh_final/english/article_read_more.php?id=885

for Amendments to the instructions can be accessed from http://www.health.gov.lk/moh_final/english/article_read_more.php?id=904

The Health Ministry severely warns that whilst the curfew is only in place in Divulapitiya, Veyangoda and Minuwangoda Divisional Secretariat areas, the rest of the country should strictly adhere to the health care guidelines issued by the health authorities.

It is the public responsibility to avoid participating in any activities that encourage crowding. A mask should be worn at all times when going out of your homes into public space. Frequent washing of hands and avoiding touching face is advocated. All should follow the good respiratory etiquette to prevent any possible spread from person to person.

The elderly should be protected and unless absolutely necessary should remain indoors. The general public too is advised to limit outdoor activities to the absolutely necessary.

The Health Ministry urges the public to cooperate with the measures being taken for containment of spread and also urges all to practice in the New Normal as advocated.

Meanwhile, the Police Department yesterday said leave of all police officers have been cancelled considering the present situation in the country.