Govt keeps close tab on development: Minister

12 March 2020 04:24 am - 7 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Admitting that COVID 19 infection has hit Sri Lanka, Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachci said it was still premature to declare restrictions on election rallies, public gatherings, free food offerings (Dan Sal) or mass religious or political events.

However, if the situation got worsened, the government would have to contemplate on these measures, Minister Wanniarachchi added.

Besides, the government does not want to create a panic among the public and create a social disturbance by putting unnecessary blockades, she said.

Addressing the media at the Health Ministry yesterday, Minister Wanniarachchi declared that it was a victory for the country to prevent the COVID 19 infection escalating into an epidemic in Sri Lanka, despite the fact that around 10,000 Chinese nationals working at various development projects in many parts of the country and added the credit must go to the courageous and dedicated medical and para medical staff and to the medical contingency plan put in place targeting the viral infection.

“We took measures to put all those coming to Sri Lanka from coronavirus affected countries under quarantine. We also have a screening system at the BIA to detect infections. We also have three quarantine centres at Batticaloa, Henadala and Diyatalawa she said.

Mainly, ageing people must remain extra vigilant and take precautionary measures and not get infected as they are vulnerable to COVID 19. Youth and children respond quickly to treatment but an old patient could develop pneumonia when infected with COVID 19.

Minister Wanniarachchi also said wearing a face mask is not necessary unless people remain at a mass gathering or visit a patient in a hospital. (Sandun A. Jayasekera)

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Comments - 7

Sashi Thursday, 12 March 2020 05:10 AM

Why wait? Put these measures in place, before there are deaths!

Ranjan Thursday, 12 March 2020 05:12 AM

Minister, this virus has crossed the danger line and Sri Lanka would inevitably be affected severely like what is happening now in other countries. It is only matter of time. Over many decades, if only the world leaders had given the Scientists the primary importance on human health and not on the “Doctors”, we would not be in this situation in modern times. What is strange is even now world leaders are saying “ Our doctors would get us out of this crisis “. No, the world needs the vaccine from the Scientists.

Chandran Thursday, 12 March 2020 05:47 AM

China has the highest number of doctors in the world. In the whole of Western Europe, Italy has the best paid doctors. See what is happening to both the countries, they are being devastated by the Virus.

Lokka Thursday, 12 March 2020 06:19 AM

Hey Madam, you were so confident at the early stages that we are fine. Now contradicts what you said/while hugging Chinese lady.

Roshan Thursday, 12 March 2020 06:29 AM

Horse has bolted.

Odin Thursday, 12 March 2020 06:45 AM

Madam, panadol dekak gaththada?

True Citizen Thursday, 12 March 2020 01:19 PM

Yes please, wait until a few people die and at least a hundred people are infected. Then you can take necessary steps to contain more deaths and infections.

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Govt keeps close tab on development: Minister

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