COLOMBO (News 1st): PCR tests conducted on all those who visited inmates at the Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre, returned NEGATIVE for COVID-19, Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, the Head of the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak, told News 1st on Friday (July 17).

“Fortunately there were no COVID-19 cases from these visitors and their families” the Army Commander confirmed adding, “We were waiting for the results of the visitors who went to see these inmates on the 4th of July because they were in the society.

The Army Commander went onto note “The possibility of COVID-19 spreading among the community from the case contacts of Kankadau Rehab Centre, was now minimum.”

“However, we are managing the family members who got COVID-19, the direct contacts. Everyone connected are at quarantine centres and they are also being tested; as of now they are all negative,” Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva emphasized.

According to the Army Commander, a total of 444 inmates, 64 staff members and 25 case contacts of the staff members at the Kandakadu Rehab Centre have so far tested positive for COVID-19.

Speaking to News 1st on Friday morning (July 17), the Army Commander noted that the situation was now under control adding the risk of COVID-19 spreading among the community through case contacts of those who tested positive for COVID-19 at the Rehab Centre, was now eliminated.

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