Steps taken to free residents living in flats in isolated areas: Army Commander

Army Commander Lt. General Shavendra Silva said steps would be taken to bring in a system to free the people residing in the housing complexes in isolated areas of Colombo and let them to come out of the flats. 

Accordingly, he said that measures aimed at releasing flats were taken since Tuesday. 

“Nearly 1000 PCR tests had been carried out in Randiya Uyana housing complex in Mattakkuliya and Mihijaya Sevana housing complex in Modara. One individual from each household underwent PCR tests or rapid antigen tests. Accordingly, 40 Covid-19 patients had been identified.

Following this procedure, PCR or rapid antigen tests would be conducted in housing complexes in the next few days and residents would be able to come out of the flats, he said. .”We are hoping to release them next week and allow them to roam the area,” the Army Commander said. 

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Silva said the President has instructed to increase the number of PCR tests. 

Accordingly, specialized team from the Army will also deployed to assist the health authorities to conduct PCR test. He said doctors in other areas outside the Colombo will also be assigned to conduct the test specially in Colombo.

The Commander said that a meeting would be held to discuss over allowing private sector to conduct antigen tests in order to increase the PCR test in the country.