Russian discharged from H'tota Hospital, to fly home within 24 hours

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Russian Airline Crew member who tested positive for COVID-19, while undergoing quarantine in Matara, was confirmed NEGATIVE for the virus, Dr. Sudath Samaraweera, the Chief Epidemiologist on Saturday (Sept. 26) said. Commenting on the condition of the Russian crew member who was admitted to Hambantota Hospital, Dr.Samaraweera said the patient returned a positive Antibody test for the virus, meaning he had contracted the virus before and recovered. "The phenomenon of returning positive for the COVID-19 infection was quite normal among those who have contracted the virus before and recovered," the Department of Government Information said quoting Dr. Samaraweera. He further went onto note that the remaining crew members left the island adding the Hambantota hospital has decided to discharge the Russian crew member as it was confirmed he was not COVID-19 positive. Dr. Samaraweera noted the crew member will leave for his home country, either today or tomorrow (Sept. 27). The Russian Airline crew members who arrived in the island on September 14th were undergoing quarantine at a hotel in Matara when one member was confirmed positive for COVID-19 on September 23rd. According to Dr. Samaraweera the staff members of the hotel, where the crew members were undergoing quarantine, were allowed to return to their homes and even those undergoing quarantine were allowed to leave the hotel. Dr. Samaraweera emphasized that thereby, proper quarantine regulations were not adhered to. As such, the Chief Epidemiologist noted that immediate steps were taken to trace the contacts of the crew members and the staff members and direct them into quarantine. Commenting on the staff members of the hotel where the Russian Airline crew members were undergoing quarantine, the Chief Epidemiologist said they will have to undergo the 14-day mandatory quarantine. However, he added that family members and other contacts of the staff members will be released from quarantine centres today. In conclusion, Dr. Samaraweera urged the general public to follow proper health guidelines and act in adherence to the quarantine regulations.