A 56-year-old man receiving treatment at a private hospital in Negombo has tested positive for COVID-19.

The Public Health Inspector in charge of Negombo Lakshman Wasantha said the detection was made following a PCR test conducted on the individual.

The man had been admitted to the Maria Private Hospital in Negombo on Tuesday (06) after suffering from fever.

The hospital authorities had conducted a PCR test which had revealed that the man had contracted the virus.

Lakshman Wasantha further said that the patient was a resident of Katuwapitiya and it is yet to be ascertained as to how he had contracted the virus.

The private hospital has been temporarily closed for a period of 48-hours, while a group of staff members have been placed in quarantine.

Nearly 06 COVID-19 patients have been detected under the Negombo Municipal Council, with four among them employees of the Minuwangoda apparel factory in the centre of the latest COVID-19 outbreak.

Among the remaining two patients, one is a 72- year –old man and the other is the 56- year-old patient confirmed today.

People in Negombo have been requested to strictly adhere to health guidelines and those with symptoms of the virus have been instructed to contact health authorities via 031-2224467.