18 December 2020 05:39 pm
At least five people tested positive for Covid-19 following some 451 random Antigen tests carried out on people leaving the Western Province as of 4 pm today, Army Commander Shavendra Silva said.
“This is indeed a cause for serious concern and highlights the importance of taking extra precautionary measures without spreading the virus further,” he said adding that complying with health guidelines was crucial at this stage.
The Army Commander also requested people who celebrate Christmas and New Year to restrict celebrations to their homes without venturing outside.
He told the Daily Mirror that people should bear any inconvenience and be supportive during these difficult times when celebrating the season without moving out of their homes to enjoy themselves considering prevailing Covid-19 situation in the country.
“We don’t want people to take any risk by allowing them to celebrate festivals freely. That’s why we urge them to try and stay at home as much as possible,” the Commander said.
Meanwhile, he also requested hotel managements to inform their customers to come with a PCR test report when looking for accommodation at hotels.
“This would be a precautionary measure to make sure that the spread of virus is contained,” the Army Commander highlighted.
He said if they inform customers to bring along a PCR test report, it would allow them to enjoy their stay at hotels unhindered without tension and also for the safety of hotel staff.
“We do understand the state of the hotels at present. We don’t want place any restrictions on them. However, it is vital to make sure that their hotels are secure from the Covid-19 virus by following health guidelines when accommodating customers and maintaining the hotels,” he stressed. (Sheain Fernandopulle)