Risk of COVID third wave after Easter, New Year season: PHI Union

The Sri Lanka Public Health Inspectors' Association (SLPHIA) today warned that there would be a risk of third wave of COVID pandemic emerging in the country if the Government and Health Ministry do not act wisely by issuing relevant health guidelines, SLPHIA President Upul Rohana said.

He told the Daily Mirror that no rules or any regulation were issued with regards to travel restrictions and quarantine process in the country as yet.

"Travel restrictions seem eased and the people's movement are back as usual. The country is getting ready to celebrate Easter and the Sinhala / Tamil New year under this current situation. The COVID pandemic situation in other countries has turned very serious. The virus started spreading rapidly  with new varients. Those countries are facing a situation that they are struggling to keep the pandemic under control," Mr. Rohana said.

"If the Government and the Health Ministry do not impose restrictions on travelling etc, the country would be at risk of facing the third wave COVID pandemic.

The Government should introduce new guidelines for the people and impose travel restrictions," he said. 

The Government should make a policy decision, if not, the country would face a disastrous situation by the end of May or June and that is clearly evident now, Mr. Rohana added. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)