Two out of 300 mask-less city dwellers test positive during RAT

• Infected persons were identified  during a special operation

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya 

Two people have been identified as Covid-19 infected following Rapid Antigen Tests conducted on at least 300 of those who were not wearing face masks in Colombo City yesterday.  

Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said those infected persons were identified  during a special operation.  
He said the infected were directed for treatment centres while their contacts have been sent for quarantine.  
“From yesterday onwards, Rapid Antigen Tests(RAT) or Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests are being conducted on those who are not wearing face masks in public, and in addition legal action, will be taken against them,” police said.  
Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana requested the public to wear face masks at all time and also to maintain social distance in public.   

He said the decision was taken to make wearing of face masks mandatory, which provided major protection against COVID-19 spread and prevented the deadly virus spreading to others in society.   

The DIG said a total number of 2,172 people had been arrested for not wearing face masks and failure to maintain social distance, since October 30, 2020.   

He urged the public extend their support during random RAT or PCR tests being carried out to identify COVID-19 patients and their contacts.   

In addition, DIG Rohana said random Rapid Antigen Tests in public places, fish and vegetable stalls and economic centres would be conducted across the country.

• The infected were directed to treatment centres while their contacts were sent to be quarantined  
• total number of 2,172 people had been arrested for not wearing face masks and failure to maintain social distance