Russian tests positive for Covid-19 in Matara

A 57-year-old Russian staying in a tourist hotel in Polhena, Matara tested positive for Covid-19 yesterday, Health Authorities said.

He was among a group of 15 Russians who arrived at the Mattala Airport on September 13 and were staying in the tourist hotel. However, the PCR tests confirmed that the 14 others had not contracted the virus.

Matara District Director of Health Services Dr. Upali Karunaratne said the group of Russians was provided accommodation at the hotel on prior reservation and that they were scheduled to leave the country today. Investigations revealed that they had been subject to PCR tests earlier at a private hospital.

Dr. Karunartne said 23 employees in the hotel and the members of their families would be subject to self-quarantine.

Meanwhile, Public Health Inspectors and the police are conducting investigations with the army to trace others associated by the group of Russians since their arrival in the country. (Krishan Jeewka Jayaruk)