Call goes out to get tested without fear in Rajanganaya
As the second round of RT-PCR testing was to be carried out next week in Rajanganaya, a request went out from a high-level health official for people not to worry or be scared but to respond voluntarily.
“There is nothing to fear. Come and get tested in the second round and cooperate with our Medical Officers of Health (MOHs) and Public Health Inspectors (PHIs),” said the Provincial Director of Health (North Central Province), Dr. W.M. Palitha Bandara, explaining that people should take health precautions such as hand-hygiene, social distancing and face-mask wearing and gather at the 5th Post pola in Rajanganaya. It is an illness and if a person is ill, he/she will be treated and there is no cause for concern.
Of 815 RT-PCR tests conducted in the first round within five days after a staffer from the Kandakaducentre attended a funeral and alms-giving in Rajanganaya, only 18 are positive. The positive cases include three children, aged 1½ years, 10 years and 12 years.
Some areas in Rajanganaya – Tracts 1, 3 & 5 and 5th Post – have been shut down with around 1,400 in quarantine in their homes.
Unawatuna Railway Station opened
This week also saw the new coronavirus compelling the little Unawatuna railway sub-station coming under the Galle railway station on the southern line to put up its shutters.
The station office was closed and the platforms deserted on July 13 (Monday) after the neighbour of its Station Master who lives in Habaraduwa was tested positive for COVID-19. The neighbour is a staff member from the Kandakaducentre.
While the Station Master is in self-quarantine, the Unawatuna station was disinfected and re-opened on July 15 (Wednesday).