54,000 Sri Lankans waiting to return but centres can take only 6,000

28 August 2020 12:35 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 6 Bookmark

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Despite some 54,000 Sri Lankans in the Middle East requesting the government to bring them home, Chief Epidemiologist of the Epidemiology Unit, Dr Sudath Samaraweera said the capacity in quarantine centres in the country has already exceeded its limits.

He told the Daily Mirror that quarantine centres could only accommodate 6,000 persons.

However, National Operations Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Head and Army Commander Shavendra Silva said 7,058 persons are currently under quarantine at 65 quarantine centres across the country.

It is apparent here that there is a surplus of over 1,000 persons right now in a situation where more Sri Lankans working overseas are expecting to return.

Dr. Samaraweera said a returnee ought to spend a minimum period of 14 days in a quarantine centre until his or her health condition is confirmed by a doctor.

“However, if any person is found to have contracted the Covid-19 from the quarantine centre, the others have to spend a further 14 days,” he said.

He said in a situation of this nature, the authorities were finding it difficult to more space for new returnees.

Meanwhile, the Army Commander said a total of 32,816 persons had left quarantine centres after completing the required quarantine process.

Considering the Covid-19 update in Sri Lanka, the total confirmed cases in Sri Lanka surged to 2,984 while the total recoveries increased to 2,819. The number of active cases is 153.

There are 83 suspected cases currently under investigation in hospitals and the recovery rate in Sri Lanka is 94.47% while the fatality rate remains at 0.4% with 12 deaths.

Meanwhile, the Health Promotion Bureau (HPB) said 216,309 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests have been carried out in Sri Lanka upto yesterday with 2,847 tests carried out on Wednesday (26).

According to its statistics, the highest number of PCR tests amounting to 3,518 was carried out on August 18.(Sheain Fernandopulle)

Comments - 6

saman Friday, 28 August 2020 08:37 AM

Situation is similar elsewhere. Sri Lankans should be happy to have facilities for 6000.

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Niroshan Friday, 28 August 2020 09:28 AM

Why can't they get the PCR test results soon and send the negative ones for 14 day self quarantine at home. Ask local PHi

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A Sri Lankan Friday, 28 August 2020 09:45 AM

We will need another supplementary estimate of x Trillions to look after and rehabilitate these 54,000 returnees from the Middle East as its likely that most of them have lost their jobs and or will not return.

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prasanna wimal Friday, 28 August 2020 10:58 AM

There are so many hotels w/o tourists. why cant some add for this where people who can pay will do quarantine w/o burden to Gvt? Come with practical solution than telling the problem

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Adam Speak Friday, 28 August 2020 01:07 PM

Stop sending workers to Middle East if they can't take care of our people. Our embassies must monitor and provide monitory support through their employers.

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Tuan Friday, 28 August 2020 04:18 PM

The Airlines and quarantine Hotels are making expatriates pay out of their nose...Governement is nothing more than a Mafia

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