Over 35,000 people, who are not first-contacts, are currently undergoing the self-quarantine process, stated the Police Media Spokesman, DIG Ajith Rohana.

Speaking to TV Derana breakfast show ‘Derana Aruna’ this morning (27), the DIG stated that nearly 185,000 persons have been directed for self-quarantine.

Once health authorities post a notice that residents of a particular house are under self-quarantine, they are monitored by community police officers in charge of the area, he said.

“On one hand, the law must be enforced. Then the quarantined persons must remain at homes while being under constant monitoring of authorities.”

While it is expected to monitor them every 3-4 times a day by strengthening the process, the commitment of the public is also vital for this process, the DIG added.

DIG Ajith Rohana says that if the public strictly follows the issued health guidelines there is no way to be infected by the virus.
 
He claims that the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) in Angoda is the best example of this.

He points out that since the first COVID-19 patient on March 11, the majority of the patients were treated at the IDH.

However, no member of the staff at the IDH has been infected with the novel coronavirus so far, he added.

The DIG says the secret behind this is wearing face masks, keeping the hands clean, and maintaining the distance between people.

“If the public, too, adheres to these standards, we will all be able to get back up together.”

Meanwhile, 17 police officers including Special Task Force (STF) officials have contracted the COVID-19 virus, the Police Media Spokesman said.

Thereby, nearly 400 officers are currently subjected to the quarantine process at quarantine centers, he said.

In addition, more police officers have been directed for self-quarantine as well, the DIG added.