Schools, universities in dengue hotspots should close for two weeks: Doctors’ union

Colombo, July 10 (Daily Mirror) - The Education and Higher Education Ministry, together with the Health Ministry, should immediately close all government, semi-government and private schools, universities and vocational training institutions located in high-risk dengue zones for at least two weeks to curb the spread of the disease, Doctors' Trade Union Alliance for Medical and Civil Rights Chairman Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa said.

He said the temporary closure should apply to institutions in areas reporting a high number of dengue cases, while the premises should be thoroughly sanitised before reopening.

He said nearly 70,000 dengue cases have been officially reported across several provinces, including the Western Province, warning that the actual number of infections could be significantly higher.

Dr. Sanjeewa said authorities should act before the situation worsens, stressing that closing schools and universities only after a sharp rise in infections would be ineffective.

He said hospitals were already under immense pressure, with healthcare workers exhausted due to overcrowded wards and the increasing number of dengue patients seeking treatment.

He further claimed that the shortage of hospital beds had forced some patients to remain under beds or in hospital corridors, creating additional health and safety risks.

Dr. Sanjeewa urged the Education and Health Ministries to take immediate preventive action, warning that waiting until the outbreak escalates would be too late to effectively contain the spread of dengue.