PCR tests have been carried out on all employees of the garment manufacturing facility in Minuwangoda, at which the biggest COVID-19 cluster was recorded in the country so far.

Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera told the media at the Health Promotion Bureau, that a total of 1,044 persons from this cluster have tested positive for COVID-19 so far. He said that further details are being obtained from the samples taken during the day and the number of infected persons can be ascertained after verifying the information.

He said PCR tests on close associates of Minuwangoda textile factory workers and the community in the area were still underway.

Meanwhile, a pregnant mother at Castle Hospital has also been reported to be infected with COVID-19, and she is linked to the textile manufacturing facility in Minuwangoda.

The Chief Epidemiologist said PCR tests will be carried out at her workplace.

He further said that majority of identified COVID-19 positive patients of the Minuwangoda cluster have already been admitted to the Angoda Infectious Diseases Hospital, Welikanda Hospital, Iranavila Hospital, Minuwangoda Hospital, Kattankudy, Teldeniya, the Neville Fernando Hospital, Mulleriyawa, Hambantota, Rambukkana and Kamburugamuwa Hospitals. Homagama, Ambanpola and Laggala - Pallegama hospitals are currently being prepared to admit COVID-19 positive patients.

Persons with respiratory issues or with any other COVID-19 symptom have been requested to call the 1990 emergency Suwa Seriya hotline of the Health Promotion Bureau.