Don’t fear, polling stations are safe: Health authorities

Health authorities today asked voters not to be frightened about coming to the polling stations and said the applying of ink on the fingers would be carried out in a safe manner.

Epidemiology Unit Chief Epidemiologist Dr Sudath Samaraweera said indelible ink would be applied on voters fingers without any touching and the voters were free to bring their own tissue papers on which they could keep their finger for inking.

“There is no way of contracting the coronavirus infection at polling stations as relevant measures have already been taken to curb the spread of the virus,” he said. “Voters will be provided with hand sanitising liquid before entering and leaving the polling station in addition to there being facilities for washing of hands.”

Dr. Samaraweera urged the voters to maintain the one-metre distance and wear protective face masks.

"The officials assigned for duty at the polling station will also be wearing protective face cover and adhering to health guidelines. Therefore don’t be afraid to approach them," he said.

Dr. Samaraweera said the COVID-19 pandemic is under control and would conduct more PCR tests to ensure that virus had been eradicated from the country.  (Sheain Fernandopulle)