14 drug addicts among those who tested positive for COVID-19 in Sri Lanka

Colombo (News 1st); 14 people who tested positive for COVID-19 so far were found to have been addicted to drugs and narcotic substances.

Deputy Police Chief Ajith Rohana speaking at the National Operations Centre for Preventing COVID-19 said the situation which was detected from Suduwella in Ja-Ela spread to Nagalagama Street through the drug addicts and then it spread to Keselwatte and Gunashinhapura. He said this resulted in the creation of COVID-19 clusters in those respective areas. DIG Ajith Rohana said people living in congested urban areas and housing complexes must remain alert about unknown people who make attempts to obtain lodging in such areas, adding people must alert the police immediately in such an event. If anyone had provided lodging to such people, Sri Lanka Police would institute legal action against them under the Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases Ordinance. DIG Ajith Rohana said accommodation can only be provided after informing Sri Lanka Police and the local health authorities and obtaining the necessary clearance. He stressed it is paramount to prevent the creation of clusters from drug addicts. He said ever since the 01st COVID-19 patient was reported in Sri Lanka, the number grew as a result of 31 clusters which were created. DIG Ajith Rohana said the intelligence gathering by the State Intelligence Service revealed only 04 of the 31 clusters are active adding the other 27 clusters are now inactive. 03 of the 04 active clusters are gradually moving towards an inactive status. In order to prevent the creation of more clusters, DIG Ajith Rohana said it is paramount for the general public to maintain social distancing.