55 employees of Sirio Ltd Badalgama factory tested COVID-19 positive

Sirio Ltd, a leading apparel manufacturer in Badalgama, Gampaha district, said on Tuesday that 55 of its staff members were confirmed COVID-19 positive. 
Since November 26, when it identified the first employee whose PCR result tested positive, till December 7, a total of 859 PCR tests were carried out on employees and ancillary staff, the company said in a media release on Tuesday.
The MOH and PHI have quarantined 984 employees for 14 days at their homes as a precautionary step to contain the spread. “Today, an additional 250 PCR tests will be conducted at its premises, and a further 200 tests are scheduled to be carried out tomorrow (09th December),” it said.
Despite its plans to recommence operations of the factory on December 9, Sirio Ltd has postponed it to December 14 with the intention of clearing all employees who test positive, thus making the factory premises completely risk-free.
Sirio Ltd has its own Task Force, comprising a team of 30 senior members working around the clock to coordinate with all employees both positive and quarantined including contact tracing with the assistance of MOH and PHI. The team is also involved in grievance handling and organising the deliveries of essential dry rations for those needy. 
“We are amazed by the support we received from our staff members so far and we are very thankful to them, their families and loved ones for understanding the reality and keeping faith with us. Thanks are also due to many residents in the area for their utmost patience and understanding. Sirio Ltd, as a responsible corporate citizen, will continue to work with health authorities and PHIs to re-commence factory operations soon whilst adhering to strict guidelines and protocols, and thereby to strengthen the country's economy. We ask all of your continued support and prayers at this crucial moment,” the company in the media statement.