24/7 vigilance over Corona Virus: Chief Epidemiologist

• No one infected with Corona Virus detected in Sri Lanka
• Sri Lanka out of Danger Zone

By Sandun A Jayasekera

Though Sri Lanka was out of the ‘Danger Zone’ of the Corona Virus, reported first from Wuhan in China, all pre-emptive measures had been taken to prevent an infected patient entering the country with a high tech screening mechanism at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Chief Epidemiologist of the Government Epidemiology Unit Dr Sudath Samaraweera said yesterday.

“We have a comprehensive screening and preventive system in place at the BIA and around the country for tourists and Sri Lankans arriving from China and in particular from Wuhan,” Dr Samaraweera said.
“Not a single case infected with Corona Virus has been detected in Sri Lanka but we keep constant 24/7 vigilance,” Dr Samaraweera stressed.
He said 44 confirmed cases of Corona Virus had been detected from Wuhan in China by March 2019 but the disease has been brought under control by now.
“This is in addition to two confirmed cases from Thailand. One from Japan had also been detected. However no deaths from these cases,” he added.
Dr Samaraweera said people must be careful to follow good health habits with keeping face, hands, nose and mouth clean all the time.

Using a handkerchief when cough and avoiding heavily crowded places would help to keep Corona Virus at bay, Dr Samaraweera noted.
However, if high temperature continued for several days with no sign of receding, the patient must be taken to the nearest hospital, Dr Samaraweera urged.