Children in many Colombo schools infected

Children from a number of schools in and around Colombo have been infected with the Coronavirus, Daily Mirror learns.

At least two leading schools in Colombo had informed parents last week that some children had been infected and urged them to take appropriate precautions. Schools around the country remained closed last week because of the coronavirus.

However, school authorities urged parents of children who had come into contact with the infected students before schools were closed, to self-isolate and inform their respective area Public Health Inspector. Daily Mirror learns that Public Health Inspectors are keeping a close watch on the first contacts of the infected children.

When contacted, State Minister of Primary Health Care, Epidemics and COVID Disease Control Sudarshini Fernandopulle said that it is too early to say if the children were infected by the new variant spreading in Sri Lanka.

However, she said that precautions must be taken to ensure children do not contract the Coronavirus. “Irrespective of the strain it is important to follow health guidelines. Watch for any breathing difficulties such as difficulty in counting up to 10 when holding the breath. Being breathless while climbing steps,” she said.

She also said that parents must ensure children avoid crowded places, wear face masks and keep their hands clean.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (SLCOG) warned that pregnant women were at risk of contracting the Coronavirus. They said that if pregnant women are infected it will be difficult for a family member to give them care and attention. According to the SLCOG, at least three pregnant women have been infected in Sri Lanka and are in intensive care units in hospital. As a result, pregnant women have been urged to take extra precautions and strictly follow the coronavirus health guidelines. (Easwaran Rutnam)