COVID Scare: Appeal to trace 35 passengers who took expressway bus to Galle

Health authorities are trying to trace 35 passengers who traveled from Kadawatha to Galle on a bus on the Southern Expressway on October 4, after a female passenger who traveled on the bus tested positive for COVID-19. 

The Bope Poddala Medical Officer of Health Dr Lasantha Obeysekara stated that a worker from the Minuwangoda apparel factory at the centre of the new COVID cluster had traveled from Kadawatha to Galle on the Southern Expressway on bus No. NB - 7323 on Sunday, October 4. The bus had left Kadawatha at 6.30am. The woman was diagnosed as a COVID-19 patient after coming to Wataraka in Galle. She is currently undergoing hospital treatment. 

Since the others who traveled with her on the bus are classified as her close contacts, Dr Obeysekara said an appeal has been made for them to come forward. Only the bus driver and conductor have done this so far. Both have been directed to quarantine. 

He stressed that the 35 passengers who have not come forward pose a threat to both themselves and the wider community. He appealed to members of the public to inform the nearest MoH Office or PHI on any information they had regarding these passengers. 

By Sirangika Lokukaravita