COVID-19 cases on the rise

Colombo (News 1st): 1. What is the condition of the journalist who tested positive for COVID-19? The second PCR test conducted on the journalist who tested positive earlier confirmed that he was not infected by the virus. It was announced yesterday that a journalist who was present at a media briefing held at the Government Information Department on the 13th of October was suspected to have contracted COVID-19. Further investigations are underway. ********** 2. What is the situation in Colombo? Epidemiologist of the Colombo Municipal Council - Dr. Dinuka Guruge said that PCR tests were carried out today on the first batch of suspected COVID-19 patients found in Jinthupitiya, Colombo. She said that samples were taken randomly throughout the week to conduct PCR tests. According to the reports of the PCR tests conducted on the employees of the Colombo Municipal Council yesterday, none of them has been infected by the virus. ********** 3. Are travel restrictions imposed in Rambukkana? Travel restrictions have been imposed on 5 villages in Rambukkana in the Kegalle District following the discovery of COVID-19 cases. ********** 4. What is the situation at the Katunayake Investment Zone? According to the PCR tests carried out this afternoon, 170 workers attached to the Katunayake Export Processing Zone have tested positive for COVID-19. Secretary of the Public Health Inspectors Association - Mahendra Balasuriya said that they are currently being directed towards the hospital. ********** 5. What is the situation at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children? Director of the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children - Dr. G. Wijesuriya said that a nurse at one of the wards had contracted the virus from an unknown source and that there is a possibility that this virus can spread randomly at various locations. Adding further she said that it is essential that people do not enter hospitals unnecessarily and visit patients unnecessarily. ********** 7. Is the Moratuwa Provincial Hospital safe? The villagers opposed the decision to allocate the Moratuwa Provincial Hospital to treat COVID-19 patients due to safety reasons. The number of patients receiving treatment in the hospital is likely to rise from 41 to 80 within the course of today. ********** 8. What is the situation in the Southern Province? An individual was tested positive for COVID-19 in Kithulampitiya, Galle. Director of Health Services in the Southern Province, Dr. Chandima Sirithunga said the patient was an employee at the Colombo Dockyard. Meanwhile, 2 people from Matara and Tissamaharama were also tested positive for COVID-19. Dr. Sirithunga said more than 1500 people in the area have been directed to quarantine.