Special treatment centres to be set up to treat COVID-19 infected inmates

Several special COVID-19 Treatment Centres would be set up in Jaffna, Kandakadu and Gallella areas to treat the Covid19 positive cases detected from the prisons, Army Commander Shavendra Silva said.

He said the decision had been made as per directives given by the President.

“It is also expected to deploy Army personnel for the security of those centres, Army Commander added.

According to the Prison Department, a total of 2,612 inmates have so far tested positive for COVID-19. In addition, four inmates have died due to the virus.

Meanwhile, the Army Commander said they were also focusing on future possibilities of dispensation of prolonged isolation process through a new strategy in testing all the families living in flats. 

“Both PCR and Rapid Antigen tests will be incorporated to the exit strategy of isolation of flats,” he said.

Army Commander also said the tendency towards the spread of COVID-19 within Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) areas itself after October 21 has relatively decreased when compared with previous records as proved through all PCR tests carried out including those high-risk zones. (Sheain Fernandopulle)