Do not receive vaccine if feel COVID-19 symptoms, says Epidemiology Chief

• If someone tested positive for COVID, it serves no purpose in getting the jab

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

If someone has COVID-19 symptoms he or she should not get vaccinated as it is absurd to get the vaccine if they are already infected, Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera said yesterday.  

He told media that it was absurd for someone with COVID symptoms to get the vaccine.   

Dr. Samaraweera said if someone tested positive for COVID, it serves no purpose in getting the jab as the virus has already entered their body. “Therefore, we are not administering the vaccine to those infected with the virus, who are currently quarantined and those suspected to be infected,” he underlined.   

Meanwhile, Dr. Samaraweera said if a person does not show symptoms or shows mild symptoms after being infected with the virus, the effect of transmissibility of the virus to another person completely reduces in about 10-14 days.   

“Accordingly, we have taken steps to send asymptomatic COVID cases to their homes after 10 days. However, they should remain indoors for another four days. They can go back to their normal routine only after 14 days,” he added.