Major improvement expected in controlling coronavirus over next few days:DDG Public Health

• Major improvements anticipated   
• Health officials target 3 incubation periods   
• Public urged not to cross borders   
• Colombo only existing area of concern   

By Easwaran Rutnam   

A major improvement in the control of COVID-19 is expected in Sri Lanka over the next few days.   
Deputy Director General (Public Health), Dr. Hemantha Herath told Daily Mirror that the situation with regards to existing clusters is likely to be brought under complete control after three incubation periods.   

“An incubation period consists of 14 days so we expect the situation to be brought under control after three incubation periods,” he said.    

Dr. Hemantha Herath said that the recent new clusters in the Police and prison are closed clusters and can be controlled.   

“Compared to open clusters these closed clusters can be controlled,” he said.   

He said that the Minuwangoda cluster was brought under control after three incubation periods.  Dr. Hemantha Herath said that a similar situation is expected with the existing clusters provided that no new sub-clusters emerge unexpectedly.   

“We are trying to prevent the emergence of sub-clusters by continuing PCR tests,” he said.   

Dr. Hemantha Herath said that the best way to prevent a new sub-cluster from emerging is to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel.   

He said that crossing borders from Colombo to other areas could pose the risk of a new cluster emerging and that could complicate the situation.   

• The recent new clusters in the Police and prison are closed clusters and can be controlled