Sri Lanka locks down four villages in Matugama as 61 new COVID-19 cases reported
COLOMBO – Health authorities on Sunday (18) placed three villages in Matugama in the Kalutura district under lockdown, as a mini-cluster of infections saw the number of COVID-19 positive case rise to 61.
A statement from the Government Department of Information said all 61 confirmed cases are staff and associates of the Minuwangoda Brandix plant, the epicentre of the new cluster, which has now expanded to 2,075 taking Sri Lanka’s coronavirus tally to 5,536
The three areas, Ovitigala, Badugama, Badugma Nawa Janapadaya in the Matugama Divisional Secretariat, were placed under isolation after 17 patients were confirmed as being COVID-19 positive. Reports said the confirmed persons included a monk and four student monks.
Meanwhile, a shopping complex in Negombo was reportedly shutdown after a trader and his wife were confirmed as being infected with the virus.
A nurse at a Hirdramani group apparel factory in Kahathuduwa, south east of Colombo, was also confirmed as COVID-19 positive authorities said, adding that 200 PCR samples were taken from the factory.
A statement from the Hirdaramani Group said the patient was detected on Saturday (17), in the process of carrying out routine PCR testing at its various facilities. The Group said since recent COVID-19 outbreak, dedicated factory teams have been conducting PCR testing across all facilities.
The statement also said the associate who tested positive was currently asymptomatic, in stable condition and following the required MOH procedures for quarantine and treatment. As a precautionary measure, the entire plant has been disinfected and all employees working in the facility, and those in the Group who have come into contact with the individual, have been requested to self-isolate while further PCR tests are conducted, the statement said.
It also said Hirdaramani officials were currently working with the relevant authorities to contact trace, arrange additional tests as required and determine the next steps.
Elsewhere, three family members of an NDB Branch worker was also confirmed as COVID-19 positive in Arauwala, Pannnipitiya, while Wards 33, 60 and 3 at the National Hospital in Colombo were shut down after a patient from Ja-Ela who was treated there had been confirmed as being infected with the virus.
Separately, the Health Promotion Bureau on Saturday launched a 24-hour COVID-19 Hotline -1999 – to help keep the people informed about the novel coronavirus, and preventive and safety measures.
The Director General of Health Services, announcing the launch, advised anyone suspected of having contracted the virus or suffering from COVID-19 like symptoms to immediately call the Hotline for necessary action and assistance. The service is available in all three languages, with doctors and specialists involved in providing service-related advice.
-ENCL