COLOMBO (News 1st): The Ministry of Health on Wednesday said that 204 suspected COVID-19 cases, are being treated at the Infectious Disease Hospital in Angoda & several other hospitals in the country.

“43 confirmed COVID-19 patients are receiving treatment under medical supervision,” said Dr. Paba Palihawadana, Deputy Director General of Health Services.

Deputy Inspector General, Ajith Rohana, speaking on an interview with News 1st on Wednesday (18th), said assets of those who refuse to undergo self-quarantine will be confiscated.

“Instructions have been issued for all those who arrived in the island between March 1st to March 15th to undergo self-quarantine, and therefore those who fail to comply with these instructions and assist the government in its efforts to control the spread of COVID-19, will be dealt legally, with their assets confiscated,” DIG Ajith Rohana told News 1st.

Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva said, that around 2,000 people who must undergo quarantine in the country, have been identified; of that a majority of 800 people in the Puttalam district.

“748 of those have been identified and instructed to remain under house-quarantine, while some are yet to be located,” said Lieutenant General Silva.

The Army Commander requested those who are still not under house-quarantine to immediately go under quarantine and assist in the containment efforts, for the benefit of all Sri Lankans including their own family members.

Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva further urged the general public to avoid visiting crowded places, and support the government to control the spread of COVID-19.