No need to issue common advice to wear facemask in government institutions: Health Secretary

Colombo, June 4 (Daily Mirror) - In the wake of the circular issued by Western Province Deputy Chief Secretary advising all government employees to wear facemasks, Secretary to the Health Ministry Dr. Anil Jasinghe said no need has arisen at the moment to issue any common advice to wear facemasks in government institutions.

Dr. Jasinghe instructed Western Province Deputy Chief Secretary B.N. Damminda Kumara to reconsider the circular issued by him, directing heads of all government institutions to advise their employees to wear face masks as a precautionary measure against the potential spread of Influenza and COVID-19.

He said there are no issues if anyone wears facemasks voluntarily or on mecial advice.

Dr. Jasinghe said there is no need to restrict those who are suffering from cough and influnza from reporting to work but it is important to encourage such people to follow good health habits such as wearing facemasks.