Hendala Leprosy Hospital declared island’s first quarantine centre

Health Ministry had declared the Hendala Leprosy Hospital as the first quarantine centre in the country, Director General of Health, Dr. Anil Jasinghe said today

“This centre would be used to quarantine all passengers arriving in Sri Lanka from Italy, South Korea and Iran for 14 days as a precautionary measure to prevent coronavirus spread.

“This decision was reached during a meeting held with National Action Committee to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus and Ministry officials on Tuesday (3),” Dr. Jasingha said.

Dr. Jasingha said the Ministry had taken this measure with the aim of preventing the Corona Virus (COVID-19) from entering Sri Lanka.

“All passengers arriving from the above three countries are subject to undergo quarantine for 14 days at the Hendala Leprosy Hospital where they will be provided with all accommodations and other facilities,” he added.

All health divisions are on high alert and pertinent preventive steps have already been taken to mitigate the risk in the country. In addition, there are no positive cases of coronavirus in Sri Lanka as reported so far.

Meanwhile, Health Ministry sources said it is in the process of identifying more quarantine centres for this purpose. (Sheain Fernandopulle)