PHIs optimistic about Govt.’s recent decisions on COVID-19

Even though the Government had shortcomings in their past decisions with regard to containing the COVID-19 virus, the recent decisions taken by the Government are satisfactory, and if it continues in this manner, the situation would gradually return to normalcy, Public Health Inspectors Union of Sri Lanka (PHIUSL) said.

Its Secretary M. Balasooriya told Daily Mirror the health and law enforcement authorities were doing their best in promptly tracing cases and attending whenever there was a positive case.

“It is of utmost importance to maintain this momentum in order to successfully contain the virus and return to normalcy,” he said.

Commenting on whether there is a necessity to go for a countrywide lockdown, he said neither the country nor the people can afford to go for a total lockdown as it would adversely affect the country’s economy and livelihood of people.

“Therefore, imposing the quarantine curfew to high-risk areas where movements must be restricted, is a good option. However, if the situation seems to be getting worse, there is no other option than looking for strict steps for the security of the whole people.”

Meanwhile, he claimed that several Public Health Inspectors have come under verbal attack and threat when they direct certain individuals for the quarantine process.

Several of their members had come under threat when they were involved in placing people under quarantine process in the areas like Divulapitiya and Minuwangoda.

“Although the majority of people corporate with them, some individuals ignore their instructions violating quarantine guidelines.

This is because people are too in high stress and feel unconformable when they are placed under quarantine,” Balasooriya said.

Hence, we don’t blame them. We have also instructed our respective inspectors not to be harsh on them but calmly explain the gravity of the situation in terms of spreading the Covid-19 virus.

He stressed people’s support was extremely important in containing the virus and therefore, requested to cooperate with them and adhere to their instructions. (Sheain Fernandopulle)