The Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) yesterday said COVID-19 patients are now reported from the community.

Speaking at a media briefing, GMOA Secretary Dr. Haritha Aluthge said two out of 259 COVID-19 positive patients reported yesterday were from quarantine centres and the remaining individuals were reported from outside the centres.

“The detection of COVID-19 positive patients from outside the centres mean they have emerged from the community. The situation which prevails now is transparent, and we cannot leave it to the Epidemiology Unit to control,” Dr Aluthge said in response to a question.

“We cannot say that the community is safe. That is why the health recommendations were issued,” he said.

“Therefore, we should take measures to control the current situation to prevent a further spread of the virus in the community,” Dr. Aluthge added. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)