Spread in COVID-19 virus in offices on the rise: Epidemiology Chief

Risk of infection quite higher in air-conditioned environment

29 April 2021 01:58 pm - 16 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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While saying that the spread of COVID-19 in companies in the country is on the rise, Chief Epidemiologist Dr Sudath Samaraweera said today the risk of infection was quite dramatic in closed and air-conditioned spaces.

He told the media that they had noticed a fair rise in the number of COVID cases within office premises.

“People would be vulnerable to the virus in a closed room especially in air-conditioned spaces. Thus, it is recommended to stay in an environment with opened windows. We also urge people to strictly follow health guidelines when they stay in a closed room or an air-conditioned room,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Samaraweera requested people to immediately report to the hospital when they suffer from COVID19 symptoms or feel unwell.

“It has been reported that people tend to stay at home when they feel unfit and experiment with various medicines without seeking proper medical assistance. Thus, we urge people to report to hospital when they come up with COVID symptoms and even feel unfit,” he stressed.

He also urged the general public to be cautious as the new variant detected in Sri Lanka had high transmissibility.

“Those infected with the new variant show complication, unlike the previous strain. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to strictly follow health guidelines and restrict unnecessary movement,” he said.

Meanwhile health officials urged all private and state companies who have staff reporting to work to conduct temperature checks and maintain all health guidelines.

All companies have been urged to get minimum staff to report to work as a work from home policy was now in place. (Sheain Fernandopulle)

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Comments - 16

Tilak Silva Thursday, 29 April 2021 02:40 PM

Why no lockdown yet..Sir wants it to go out of bounds, i guess..

shanka Thursday, 29 April 2021 03:21 PM

Well this is the fault of everyone, when they reduce the quarantine days from 14 to 7 when people went home they never did another PCR test bt went tours trips and hotel stays and now everyone is paying the price well done morons

Joshua Thursday, 29 April 2021 02:46 PM

But state offices such as IRD, RMV are open and they are calling the public for discussions/interviews etc. Is it OK for you?

TharukaWarz Thursday, 29 April 2021 02:50 PM

It is up to company heads to decide on the number of employees..Implement the work from home rule again.

Kana Thursday, 29 April 2021 03:33 PM

Locked don’t now

Whatever Thursday, 29 April 2021 03:58 PM

Wow seriously? What a surprise while our Senior Management cannot function without seeing their services staff at office every day?

Terrence Thursday, 29 April 2021 04:00 PM

Decisions should be prompt when there are eminent threats by following the model of remote home working and roster working of staff

Eichmann Bernhard (Germany) Thursday, 29 April 2021 05:55 PM

Then they should be able to work at home.

RoaringCreek Thursday, 29 April 2021 07:21 PM

As a reported claimed during a press conference, you and your team has failed. FAILED!

Mo Thursday, 29 April 2021 08:21 PM

keep the airport open and Allow people to go on trips during Avurudu and Wesak holidays. Sri Lankans are "newa gilunath ban chun"

GGT Thursday, 29 April 2021 10:54 PM

"NEW YEAR BONANZA"

GGT Thursday, 29 April 2021 10:58 PM

Mr. Sudath Samaraweera kata eriyoth kinneme patta BORUWAK thama.

GGT Thursday, 29 April 2021 11:08 PM

No...No...People do not want to feel UNFIT anymore, even a Healthy Person admitted to the Hospital nearby will come out as a DEAD BODY at the end of the day, the reason defined simply CORONA......

Herman Perera Friday, 30 April 2021 01:48 AM

All what you PREACH is not PRACTICED. It's better if you stay Silent.

Lumbini Friday, 30 April 2021 09:06 AM

This person is not a competent person at all, just like others who are trying to manage the pandemic. Get some examples from countries that managed the problem very well.

Ranaweera Friday, 30 April 2021 09:18 AM

Most companies have not gone digital . They do their work on the same old paper. So they have to work in the offices. Inside they don't practice any precautions except someone at the entrance pointing a temperature device at you. Once inside, business is as usual. So Mr Covid enters everyone happily.

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Spread in COVID-19 virus in offices on the rise: Epidemiology Chief

Risk of infection quite higher in air-conditioned environment

Comments - 16

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