78 Police Officers have contracted COVID-19

A total of 78 Police Officers have been infected with COVID-19, Police Media Spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana said. Close to 300 Police Officers have been directed to quarantine, he added. In addition to this, 1,800 Officers have been advised to self quarantine. Meanwhile, an employee at the Ministry of Health has tested positive for COVID-19. An Assistant Director, a Development Officer and two Office Assistants have tested positive for the virus, the Director-General of the Government Information Department Nalaka Kaluwewa said. 40 employees have been quarantined and steps have been taken to carry out the affairs at the Ministry in accordance to health guidelines, he added. Steps have been taken to temporarily shut down a garment factory in Horana after an employee at the factory was tested positive. A female employee was tested positive when random PCR tests were carried out at the garment premise. 200 close contacts of COVID-19 patients were subject to PCR tests in Kurunegala, Mallawapitiya and Wilgoda. Travel restrictions have been imposed in these areas as well. 16 new cases were discovered from these areas in the last two days. Health authorities today advised against selling fish even in close proximity to the Chilaw Fish Market given the prevailing COVID-19 situation of the country. The Chilaw Fish Market was shut down recently but fishmongers continued to sell fish near the market. The Hatton Town which was declared as an isolated area was re-opened today under many restrictions. Few shops were allowed open today but the Hatton Public Market at which the first case was discovered from Hatton was not permitted to open. Public Health Inspectors took steps to close down several outlets which were opened in the market premise. With the discovery of 11 cases of COVID-19 from Bulathkohupitiya in Kegalle families in 70 houses in Bulathkohupitiya, Lower Nells Near, Lawala, Amba-Malla and Pannala have been advised to self quarantine.