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Thursday, 29 October 2020 00:33 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Shailendree Wickrama Adittiya
The total number of COVID-19 patients identified in the island exceeded 9,000 yesterday with the identification of 335 patients.
The dual cluster, titled the Divulapitiya and Peliyagoda cluster, has now reached 5,731 patients, and yesterday’s cases include 27 patients from quarantine centres, 106 contacts from the Peliyagoda Fish Market and 202 associates. According to the Department of Government Information, of the 202 associates, 140 were identified from areas where curfew is currently enforced.
This brings the total number of confirmed cases identified in the island to 9,205. In addition to the current cluster, 1,464 Sri Lankan returnees from abroad, 950 Navy personnel and contacts, 651 persons linked to the Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre, and 97 foreigners have also tested positive in the island.
The Epidemiology Unit stated that 5,111 persons are currently undergoing treatment for COVID-19. This includes 535 persons at the Neville Fernando Teaching Hospital, 443 persons at the Gallella Treatment Centre, 350 persons at the Kandakadu Treatment Centre, and 250 persons at the Punani Treatment Centre.
There are currently 37 COVID-19 treatment centres in the island and hospitals are also monitoring 432 persons suspected of having COVID-19.
The total number of COVID-19 recoveries in the island increased to 4,075 yesterday, with 32 persons leaving hospitals having recovered from the virus. This includes 15 persons from the Colombo East Base Hospital, six persons from the Homagama Base Hospital, and five persons from the Teldeniya Base Hospital.
Addressing the press yesterday, Police Spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana said the rapid spread of COVID-19 to be seen with the current cluster is partially a result of a lack of adherence to COVID-19 safety guidelines. He explained that persons undergoing self-quarantine were gathering as groups in neighbourhoods.
“When we subject persons to the quarantine process, what was seen at first is that only one or two persons from a residence contract the virus when an individual tests positive for COVID-19. However, now, due to guidelines not being followed, even persons in the neighbouring area contract the virus,” the Police Spokesperson said.
DIG Ajith Rohana explained that since the current cluster emerged on 3 October, 1,035 staff members of the Minuwangoda garment manufacturing facility have tested positive for COVID-19. He added that 1,832 persons contracted the virus from the staff members and that the cluster that emerged from the manufacturing facility has expanded to 2,867 cases.
The cluster that emerged from the Peliyagoda Fish Market, he explained, increased from 49 initial patients to 181 cases and then 535 cases.
In response to a question regarding the investigation launched into the formation of the current cluster, DIG Ajith Rohana said: “The Attorney General [on Tuesday] instructed the IGP to do so, prior to which an investigation was launched.” He added that the IGP thus advised the Senior Superintendent of Police overseeing the Western Province to carry out the investigation in a broader manner.
A team under the supervision of the Colombo Crimes Division Director has thus been appointed to carry out the necessary investigations into the matter.
Meanwhile, health authorities yesterday showed confidence that the spread of the virus can be contained. “We believe that this can be controlled without further spread in the future. However, it must be clearly stated that the number of patients identified in the future will not drop to zero but will fluctuate for some time,” Assistant Director General Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath said.
He added that PCR tests were being carried out in various areas in the Western Province, especially those identified as high-risk areas.
According to the Health Promotion Bureau, 469,286 PCR tests have been carried out in the island to date, including 8,831 on Tuesday. Health Ministry Laboratory Division Health Services Deputy Director General Dr. Ananda Jayalal said all laboratories are running at full capacity at present.
He also addressed reports of unused PCR testing kits, saying they were unusable due to being delivered in the wrong temperature and asked that the supplier provide them with additional kits. Dr. Jayalal also addressed concerns regarding the consumption of fish, saying it was essential to follow safety guidelines when cleaning and storing the fish.
However, consumption is safe if the fish is cooked properly and Dr. Jayalal added the virus may only exist on the outside of the fish and not internally.
Meanwhile, the National Operation Centre for the Prevention of the COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) yesterday stated that 14 persons who arrived from Qatar have been directed to quarantine centres. There are currently 7,530 persons undergoing the process at 75 centres.
To date, 58,396 persons have completed the process at centres, including 73 persons who left centres yesterday.
Earlier this week, the NOCPCO announced that first contacts of COVID-19 patients will no longer be required to undergo quarantine at centres and will instead be directed to self-quarantine. NOCPCO Head Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva yesterday said the Government is making arrangements to provide such persons with food parcels sufficient for 14 days.
He also requested the public in the Western Province to refrain from panic buying and gathering in crowds at grocery stores as quarantine curfew will be lifted on Monday.
