An Indian fisherman on a poaching vessel has tested positive for COVID-19 following quarantine period, the Navy said today. During a special operation in northern seas on January 9, the Navy apprehended nine Indian fishermen along with their trawler, for poaching in Sri Lankan waters. Subsequent to this apprehension, the fishermen were directed for 14-day of quarantine due to COVID -19 concerns. On completion of their quarantine period on January 22, the Indian fishermen were subjected to PCR tests before handing them over to the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR) authorities for legal action, where one Indian fisherman had tested positive for COVID-19. Upon the instruction of Regional Epidemiologist Jaffna, the Indian fisherman who contracted COVID-19 was taken to the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Kilinochchi for treatment. The remaining eight Indian fishermen were directed for another 14 days of quarantine again. The Navy said it continues to strengthen its efforts to prevent the entry of COVID-19 into the country across maritime borders. “We urge the community to be vigilant and minimize contacting foreign fisher folks at sea,” it said.