Several families in Horana self-quarantined after army officer contracts Covid-19

• At least four shops have been closed following the incident
• He tested positive with the virus after reporting back for duty

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya and Nimali Kahawala   

Several families in Horana have been sent for self-quarantine after an Army officer working at the Bandaranaike International Airport tested positive for COVID-19, health officials said. 

Regional Director of Health Service in Kalutara Dr. Udaya Ratnayake said a Lieutenant Colonel who was handling Sri Lankan arrivals in the quarantine process has tested positive for COVID-19.   

He said the officer who is a resident of Horana has returned home from duties and had visited several shops in Horana when he visited the town on May 26. At least four shops have been closed following the incident. He tested positive with the virus after reporting back for duty.   

Accordingly, three families including the family members of the officer and at least another 30 persons in four shops in Horana where the officer had visited have been ordered to undergo self-quarantine.   

Medical Officer of Health in Horana Chanaka Mallikarachchi said however that the officer had followed the proper healthcare guidelines during his visits at shops and that the risk of contracting the virus to the shop associates was minimal.   

The officer had followed the proper healthcare guidelines during his visits at shops