Sri Lankans returning from overseas are requested to self-quarantine at home for 14 days due to the spread of coronavirus, Health Services Director-General Dr. Anil Jasinghe said.

Speaking at a media briefing, he said the decision was taken following long discussions with the Secretary to Health Ministry, Airport and Aviation Services Chairman G.A. Chandrasiri and airport officials.

"Currently, quarantine procedures are applicable only to passengers arriving from South Korea, Iran and Italy. Hereafter, whoever arrives in the country will have to self-quarantine for 14 days. Such persons should restrict mobility. They should not get into congested public settings such as wedding ceremonies and parties. Also, people should try to minimise foreign travel.

Those who go on group tours will be subjected to compulsory quarantine for 14 days in quarantine centres. If a person is afflicted with COVID-19, there is a possibility of the virus infecting others in the tour group. Hence, the virus coming into the country is higher in group tours. However, this will be applicable to countries which are in the quarantine list at the time of their arrival.

The quarantine process of passengers who arrive from South Korea and Iran will be implemented from the flight arriving from South Korea at 4:00 am today. Passengers arriving from Italy, South Korea and Iran will be sent to the Batticaloa Private University and Kandakadu Rehabilitation Centre. Before taking them to quarantine centres, they will be provided essential facilities. They will conduct surface sterilisation and later be transported to the centres by bus,” he said. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)