35 sailors tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday

All 35 COVID-19 cases reported on Tuesday are Sri Lanka Navy Sailors - DG Health Services

by Zulfick Farzan 20-05-2020 | 11:11 AM

Colombo (News 1st); All 35 COVID-19 cases detected on Tuesday are sailors attached to the Sri Lanka Navy, confirmed Dr. Anil Jasinghe - the Director-General of Health Services.

Speaking to News 1st, Dr. Anil Jasinghe said a team of epidemiologists investigated the matter surrounding the situation of the Sri Lanka Navy and their recommendations were communicated to the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy for implementation.

He said several sailors were transported to distant quarantine facilities taking in to account the present situation and a majority of the cases reported on Tuesday are sailors who were sent to quarantine at the Oluvil facility.    

Dr. Anil Jasinghe said more than 1000 PCR tests were carried out on Tuesday adding no cases were reported from other parts of the country.

The Health Division of the Colombo Municipal Council is to carry out PCR tests at the Colombo Manning Market today.

Director-General of Health Services Dr. Anil Jasinghe said all passengers arriving in the country will be subject to mandatory PCR testing.