The Dr. Neville Fernando Teaching Hospital (NFTH) Malabe will be reserved to treat COVID-19 patients taking into account the current COVID-19 outbreak, Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi told Parliament yesterday.

In a statement, the Minister said that on October 6, a total of 4,800 PCR tests had been conducted on the employees at Brandix Apparel Limited in Minuwangoda, close contacts of the employees and other associates related to those close contacts.

Apart from that, another 1,800 PCR tests had been conducted on random persons in society as well, she added.

Minister Wanniarachchi in response to a question posed by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa under Standing Order 27/2, further said: “We have taken all the possible measures to control the COVID-19 outbreak in the country. We do not transport COVID-19 patients and persons who are suspected to be infected with COVID-19 symptoms together. They are being sent to hospitals separately. Several hospitals have been allocated to specifically treat COVID-19 patients. Further, random PCR tests are also being carried out in the hospitals as usual.”Speaking about quarantining hospital staff, the Minister said that all necessary measures have been taken to provide suitable places for them.

“We had given them apartment type places initially but we heard there were some issues. Previously, hotels were used for this. I instructed the Ministry Secretary to make the same arrangements. Now, discussions are being held with suitable hotels for quarantining purposes,” she noted.

The Opposition raising several Points of Order asked the minister why curfew was not imposed in the whole of Gampaha District.

The Minister said that decisions to impose curfew are taken following the instructions of both the Health officials and Security officials. The Government will not hesitate to act on their instructions at any given time, she added.

“That is an evolving process.We impose the curfew following finding patients in those areas. Otherwise, there will be no use,” she pointed out.

Furthermore, Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) MP Manusha Nanayakkara said that there were rumours that the Brandix Apparel Limited bypassed the compulsory quarantine process and brought Indian workers to the factory. The Speaker advised Nanayakkara to make a complaint regarding the matter.

Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella requested a two day debate on the matter. The Speaker said that it would be discussed during the Party Leaders’ Meeting.