Decline in COVID cases doesn’t reflect overall picture, says Epidemiology Chief

The notable decrease in daily detection of COVID-19 cases does not reflect the overall COVID situation in the entire country, Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera said.

He told media that there is a chance of a COVID cluster being created in the country through an undetected patient.

“This becomes evident with the infected patients being detected in the Jaffna District these days,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Samaraweera said the country could plunge into deep insecurity, if people do not adhere to basic health rules.

“This is mainly due to the fact that the general public do not follow health practices. People are seen gathering in public places, including places of worship, shopping malls and arcades ignoring health guidelines,” he underlined.

He also emphasized that many people had attended religious ceremonies at temples across the country on Poya Day without wearing face masks and not maintaining social distance.

Thus, Dr. Samaraweera urged the public not to gather in large numbers in public places and to strictly abide by the health guidelines whenever they enter into a public place. (Sheain Fernandopulle)