Lockdown during festive season not realistic: PHIs

While saying it is the sole responsibility of the people to adhere to health regulations during the upcoming festive season to prevent any possible cluster from emerging, the Public Health Inspectors Union pointed out that it was not practical to go for a country-wide lockdown in the days ahead.

PHIs Union President Upul Rohana told the Daily Mirror that Sri Lanka cannot afford to go for a full lockdown, as it is being embroiled by several issues such as the national economy and other sectors.

“Domestic workers in the Middle East and other countries are returning to Sri Lanka, which is a great loss to the country being one of the prime foreign exchange-earners,” he underlined.

“Sri Lankan economy currently depends on income generated from certain exports and other internal means. In such a backdrop, it is not practical for the Government to impose lockdown or restrict movement,” he stressed.

He also said the COVID-19 situation in the county is being gradually brought under control and thereby the country is returning to normalcy. 

Thus, he reiterated that people should be mindful and act responsibly in the future adhering to the health guidelines in order to prevent any COVID cluster from emerging. (Sheain Fernandopulle)