Nine COVID-19 persons identified from Galle Face during random Antigen tests

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

Nine COVID-19 infected people have been identified during a random Antigen Tests conducted in the Galle Face Green area in Colombo yesterday, Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said.   

He said the authorities will continue to conduct Antigen tests randomly in public places.   

Meanwhile, the spokesman said that 13 more fresh COVID-19 cases identified through rapid Antigen Tests on those leaving the Western Province on Tuesday.   

Accordingly, with the 13 new cases, a total of 74 persons have been identified as COVID infected since December 18 as of yesterday, Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said.   

He said that a total of 10,987 Antigen tests have been conducted by Tuesday. DIG Rohana said that at least 377 people of those who have contacts with COVID-19 infected were directed to quarantine.   
Random rapid Antigen tests are conducted at 11 locations in addition to expressway exit points.   
He said the random tests would continue until January 5, 2021.   
Also, 28 persons have been arrested for violating quarantine rules on Tuesday.   
The police spokesman said that they were arrested for not wearing face masks and not maintaining social distance in public places.   
Accordingly, about 1,957 persons have been arrested for violating the quarantine rules since October 30 to date, DIG Rohana said.   

Meanwhile, the spokesman said that Police would launch raids on parties held in violation of the quarantine law from yesterday until Thursday.   

He said that a special Police team has been deployed to raid parties and gatherings being held, especially at night, in violation of the quarantine law.   

He said legal action will be taken on anyone organising a party in violation of the quarantine law.