7 June 2021 04:12 pm
While admitting it would take some time to experience the actual results of the current travel restrictions, Deputy Director General of Health Services said if people’s movement continues to increase, it would take more time to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.
Addressing the media at the Health Promotion Bureau, he said they were confident that the virus could be contained with the help of the prevailing travel restrictions.
“However, it is of utmost importance that people’s movement should be curtailed. That’s why we urge the company heads to summon only the essential staffers,” Dr. Herath said.
“This cannot be done with the law alone. We need self-discipline. Otherwise, the situation could turn worse,” he stressed.
When asked whether there has been a decrease in COVID cases following the travel restrictions, Dr. Herath explained that the highest number of cases ever reported 15 days ago, and subsequently there was a decline.
“However, the active cases surged after 10-12 days, since the highest number of cases was reported. Though the cases did not increase in great numbers, we did notice an increase nevertheless,” he pointed out.
“The reason for the increase is that conducting PCR tests on the contacts of the patients detected 15 days ago,” Dr. Herath noted.
“There could be fluctuations in the future as well. But it will take some time to experience the actual results of the current travel restrictions,” he added. (Sheain Fernandopulle)