27 October 2020 01:33 pm
The decision to place first contacts of COVID-19 infected patients at homes was taken only after considering several practical issues and not due to any shortage in facilities at quarantine centres, Army Commander Shavendra Silva said.
This new practice came into effect yesterday following instructions by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa after reviewing the quarantine process currently in place in Sri Lanka.
The Army Commander said that a majority of those who are placed at quarantine centres refused to leave their homes for a period of 14 days.
“Some had informed us about their concerns about leaving homes such as, taking care of their dependents and feeding their pets. The decision was taken considering all those issues,” the Commander said.
He said the government would take a decision today on how to provide essential items at homes where those under quarantine.
However, the Commander said if anyone has difficulties during their quarantine period to contact area health officials anytime to sort out their issues.
“Those who do not have facilities or space at their home to undergo quarantine could be sent for quarantine centres under the recommendation of the area health officials,” he said. (Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)