Apr 25, Colombo: Various measures have been taken to protect the security forces personnel from contracting the COVID-19 while engaged in operations to control the spread of the disease.

The measures have been taken after 65 naval personnel of the Welisara Naval Base on Friday (24) were found to be infected with the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Out of the infected navy personnel, 35 were found to be positive for the virus yesterday. Thirty of them were staying in the barracks while the other five were on leave and have gone home.

The Welisara Naval Base with nearly 4000 personnel and their families has been completely locked down to prevent further spread of the coronavirus.

Accordingly, all naval personnel are restricted from travel and confined to barracks without leave. They are only allowed to leave the bases for assigned duties.

Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) Commander Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva said PCR testing for naval personnel has been expedited and the Navy has taken steps to conduct over 400 PCR tests per day from today (25).

He said the SLN had taken precautionary measures to confine sailors to their barracks and also to bring the sailors who were on leave and had close connections with coronavirus positive patients, back to the naval base.

The Navy Commander requested the public not to be unduly worried about this situation as the SLN has already taken immediate steps to contain the spread of coronavirus.