Hemas Thalawathugoda clarifies on COVID-19 positive patient

A patient who had visited the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of Hemas Hospital Thalawathugoda has tested positive for COVID-19 after being transferred to Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital (SJGH).

In a statement released this evening, Hemas Hospitals shared that the patient had visited the facility on the 19^th October and was transferred to SJGH on the advice of the Consultant Nephrologist. The patient was later tested Covid-19 positive on 20^th October at SJGH. 

The management of Hemas Hospitals however stressed that due to strict guidelines the premises were not contaminated.

“Due to the hospital’s stringent protocols, this patient was not exposed to public areas of the facility and the hospital did not compromise the safety of the staff, customers and the community,” the statement said.

The private healthcare provider shared that a risk assessment was carried out as per MOH guidelines, and eight staff members have been isolated under the supervision of Public Health Inspectors (PHIs).

The area health authorities were informed of the incident and the risk assessment reviewed, and PCR tests were carried out immediately on staff and all test results were negative. 

Hemas Hospitals said that the staff members will continue to be in quarantine for 14 days and PCR tests will be repeated on day 7 and day 14.