BIA cleaning staff member becomes second COVID-19 patient in Warakapola

A woman who was part of the cleaning staff at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) has become the second confirmed COVID-19 patient from Warakapola, Provincial Health Services Director Kapila Kannangara said. 

The woman was admitted to IDH yesterday and has been confirmed as a COVID-19 patient.

Meanwhile, the Rambukkana Police and PHIs have tracked down 17 staff members of the BIA who had traveled in the same bus as the woman and ordered them to self-quarantine. OIC of the Rambukkana Police Malcolm Pate said the staff members all traveled in the same staff bus to the BIA for work. He said the individuals were spread out over 12 Grama Seva Divisions. Those asked to self-quarantine include the driver and conductor of the staff bus. Authorities will provide drinking water to the households in self-isolation while dry rations will also be provided if needed, he added. 

Earlier, a member of the Warakapola Pradeshiya Sabha, who was also working at the BIA, was diagnosed with COVID-19. 

The latest patient brings the total number of COVID-19 patients in the Sabaragamuwa Province to seven. 

By Pradeep Kumara Dharmaratne