Social Distancing must be maintained at all times : DG Health Services

COLOMBO (News 1st):- The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Sri Lanka now stands at 102 following the detection of five new cases, three of them are those who returned to the country from Italy. The other person had entered the country from the United States of America, confirmed Director General of Health Services Dr. Anil Jasinghe. He stressed a majority of the detected cases are all of those who returned to the country from overseas. Dr. Anil Jasinghe said the reason for classifying Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara as High Risk COVID-19 Zones was because a considerable number of cases moved about in these districts adding there could be a possibility, the virus may have been contracted by others. Dr. Anil Jasinghe stressed this is only a possibility. Of the 101 cases, 10 are from the Gampaha District, 21 from Colombo and 13 are from Kalutara. Dr. Anil Jasinghe stressed public support is paramount to prevent the spread of the virus. He stressed, social distancing must be maintained at all times, adding keeping a distance of a metre between people should be maintained. The Director General of Health Services said even after the curfew is lifted, social distancing must be maintained. He confirmed a doctor attached to the Infectious Diseases Hospital tested positive to COVID-19 and does not believe he contracted the virus from IDH as he is not treating patients at IDH. Army Commander Shavendra Silva said a total of 311 people were released from the Punani and Kandakadu Quarantine Camps following the completion of their quarantine period. He said the release was based on the instrument of Health Officials. The Army Commander said authorities moved 17 people to quarantine for having close contact with a preacher in Jaffna. He said a total of 46 Quarantine Camps are housing 3224 people and the second batch of 208 people will be released tomorrow (March 25) following the completion of their quarantine period.