Four suspected cases test negative for coronavirus: MRI

• Two transit passengers arriving from Kuala  Lumpur admitted to IDH 

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya and T.K.G. Kapila 

The test reports of four patients including two Chinese nationals who were admitted to Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) on suspicion of coronavirus have tested negative, Medical Research Institute (MRI) Director Dr. Jayaruwan Bandara said yesterday. 

Meanwhile, two passengers who arrived last Sunday at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) on flight UL-315 from Kuala  Lumpur International Airport were admitted to IDH on suspicion of being afflicted with coronavirus. The transit passengers were en route to the Middle East and Pakistan. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) had set up a separate terminal at BIA, equipped with high-tech screening, for passengers returning from China. However, the situation keeps aggravating in China with the death toll shooting up to 81 and the number of people afflicted soaring to 3,000. 
Commenting on this, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Beijing said a group of 21 Sri Lankans studying in China had left for their motherland last afternoon. The President’s Media Division said the President’s Office, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Health, the Sri Lankan Embassy in China and SriLankan Airlines coordinated the evacuation process. 
“Students from Sichuan and various other parts of China are being transported to airports by bus. Some 30 students remaining in the city of Nanning will also join them. Discussions are underway with the Chinese Government to repatriate Sri Lankan students in Wuhan which is currently on lockdown,” the PMD said. 
National carrier SriLankan Airlines has taken apt measures to provide air tickets to students at a discounted rate of 50%. Facilities are available to connect with the airline through its hotline. Payment through a third-party credit card is also permitted. 

“Gathering information of students in China has now completed. A national action committee to prevent the spreading of coronavirus comprising health experts was appointed under the direction of the President. The committee is scheduled to meet today to discuss future steps,” the PMD said.  

Relevant authorities frequently communicate with students to verify their well-being. Those who had arrived from China are requested to attend regular medical screening and to be vigilant about their body temperature. They are also requested to wear face masks for at least 20 days.   

SriLankan has taken apt measures to provide air tickets to students at a discounted rate of 50%