NOCPCO Task Force recommends Quarantine Curfew at Police Div. on case by case evaluation

These included the imposition of isolation measures at village levels, capacity enhancement in Quarantine Centres, application of new strategic approaches for management, readiness of island-wide hospitals for mass-scale admission in an emergency, minimizing delay of PCR test results, clamping of quarantine curfew at Police division levels and the gamut of related concerns arising out of the resurgence of new clusters, etc.

Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva stressing the urgent need to re-visit all strategic operational mechanisms at all levels in the wake of emergence of new clusters suggested the conduct of PCR tests be expedited and further de-centralized as the Sri Lanka Army Hospital laboratory is capable of conducting those PCR tests of those in quarantine at Hotels, community individuals and Quarantine Centres, thereby reducing the time period being consumed for such test results.

Members of Task Force after extensive discussions were of the view that imposition of quarantine curfew at Police divisions on case by case evaluation was the most effective and best result-oriented practice when more and more clusters are detected.

It was also agreed upon to take necessary measures in this regard for its operational aspect as numbers in Quarantine Centres, clusters in Minuwangoda and Gampaha areas and in self-quarantine are fast increasing.

Health Ministry officials further told Task Force members that around 3000 beds in 148 island-wide hospitals, out of all 800 hospitals are now prepared to accommodate COVID-19 positive cases in case of any emergency as an SOS measure.

Members also underlined the need to sustain strict health guidelines among the general public with the support of law enforcement authorities and the continuing awareness moves.