As many as 200 Navy personnel occupying the Gafoor Building in Colombo were quarantined yesterday after a naval officer tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday.

All persons who came into contact with him were subjected to tests and, in the future, will be quarantined. Other heath precautions will be taken as well.

Health Services Director General Dr. Anil Jasinghe said about 200 Navy personnel were quarantined yesterday. 

The building was being temporarily occupied by the Sri Lanka Navy for renovations, and was used for essential administrative activities after the Welisara Naval Base was declared an isolated area.

 According to Navy Spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Isuru Sooriyabandara, Naval officers providing essential services to the Welisara Naval Base as well as the Welisara Hospital were occupying the building.

“Due to the nature of their work environment, we could not let them mix or come into contact with society or other naval bases,” Sooriyabandara said. He added that due to the risk of them contracting the virus, the officers were regularly subjected to tests and medical examinations. It was following a test on Wednesday that one person tested positive for COVID-19.

“It must be mentioned that there is no reason for fear among the public because of the location of this building or because a Navy personnel tested positive,” Sooriyabandara said, emphasising that these Navy officers have made no contact with the public.

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