Immediate measures to contain spread of COVID–19 in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO: President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has instructed relevant parties to take immediate measures to contain the spread of COVID–19.

His directive follows the identification of close associates of the affected and to increase the number of PCR tests.

Close associates of the infected have already being identified. They have been subjected to self-quarantine at their homes. The president advised to send them to closest hotels to undergo the quarantine process.

President Rajapaksa made these remarks at a discussion with the Presidential Task Force on COVID–19 prevention held at the Presidential Secretariat.

Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, State Minister Sisira Jayakody, Secretary to the President P. B. Jayasundera, Principal Advisor to President Lalith Weeratunga and the members of the Presidential Task Force for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak were present in this meeting.

The discussion took place amid the tracing of COVID-19 positive people in several areas in the Gampaha district.

Instructions have been issued to carry out random PCR tests in every district in the country as well in institutes. Especially, organizations where a large number of people are employed have been asked to conduct tests. However, it does appear that the factories with large work forces have neglected this responsibility, the president added.