We could be compelled to recommend closing the country again: Health Ministry

The Health Ministry could be compelled to recommend closing the country once again if people’s behaviour continues to be poor, Deputy Director General of Health Services Dr Hemantha Herath said yesterday.

"Although we cannot afford to go for complete lockdown, we may have to do it in order to avert a major havoc if health practices are repeatedly ignored," Dr Herath told a news briefing.

"There is no point of crying over spilled milk once the damage is done. Thus, we all should be determined to contribute to put an end to this pandemic," he added.

Meanwhile, Public Health Inspectors Union Head Upul Rohana warned that the country is on the verge of a fourth wave of COVID-19.

"People’s way of behaviour in terms of adhering to health guidelines and practices is not satisfactory at all," he stated.

“There is no doubt that COVID cases would spike in unprecedented numbers in the near future if people continued to act negligently and thus, inviting a fourth wave,” he added.

Moreover, Health Promotion Bureau Director Dr. Ranjith Batuwanthudawa said a COVID cluster could emerge with a single patient.

“People have to be really careful with this and should follow health rules thoroughly,” Dr Batuwanthudawa stressed. (Sheain Fernandopulle)