Behave or face lockdown during traditional New Year, DDHS tells public

By Rathindra Kuruwita

The country would be able to celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year only if people followed health guidelines properly and behaved in a responsible manner, Deputy Director General of Health Services, Dr. Hemantha Herath told a press briefing yesterday at the Health Promotion Bureau.

“Everyone has to abide by health guidelines. Even if you have taken all three jabs, you have to act reasonably and follow guidelines,” he said.

Dr. Herath said that there were a large number of asymptomatic cases in the country. “I have warned before, people can’t assume that Omicron is mild and take it easy. Maybe it’s mild for a healthy person, but there are many vulnerable groups in society.

If these vulnerable people contract Covid-19 they will be in serious trouble. That is why we are urging the people to follow the health guidelines

Meanwhile, consultant physician of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL), Dr. Upul Dissanayake said he believed there was a community transmission of Omicron. He said that although the number of COVID cases detected at the NHSL had increased, most of them had first sought treatment for other illnesses.

“Most of the COVID patients detected at NHSL are not vaccinated. Those who are vaccinated show very mild symptoms. Most of the COVID patients who are vaccinated don’t need hospitalisation. The current COVID wave started some time ago. We are now seeing the high point of the wave. We hope the momentum will be lost soon,” he said.