20 April 2021 06:53 am
Army Commander General Shavendra Silva said yesterday that all those who come to work from various parts of the country after the New Year holidays should take necessary measures to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus as the next three weeks could be crucial.
He urged the public to adopt proper health practices at workplaces and in public including wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing.
"We have seen the majority of people, especially in places where people have gathered over the past week, behave according to the health guidelines. But there may be a small group that is not. The second wave of Covid-19 spread in Sri Lanka from one person. It spread to more than 90,000 people all over the country. We had such an experience. We are protecting this country from the coronavirus when the number of patients is very high in other countries," he said.
The Commander said that they had been able to keep the Covid-19 infected cases at a low level compared to other times.
On Sunday, 357 Covid-19 cases were reported in the country. The Commander said 70 of them were Sri Lankan returnees from abroad. He said currently a large number of Covid-19 patients are reported in the world.
"During the New Year, we did not impose many restrictions. But, some restrictions were imposed because it was a matter of urgency. Some acted regardless of them and tried to enjoy freedom," General Silva said.
He said that public cooperation is key to curb the spread of the disease. (Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)