Covid-19 case in Divulapitiya galvanises authorities into tightening regulations again

Minister of Health, Pavithra Wanniarachchi, yesterday, urged all Sri Lankans to fully support measures taken by health and security authorities in their battle against COVID-19.

Addressing a press conference, Wanniarachchi urged people to follow health guidelines and said that health officials would strictly enforce those regulations.

“One COVID-19 case has been found from within the community. I urge people to fully support us the way you did earlier this year. We were able to get the situation under control during the last few months because of the public support. I urge the people to maintain social distancing, to wear masks and wash hands regularly. Don’t let your guard down.”

The health minister said that Sri Lankans followed the advice of health officials better than in other nations and that was a main reason for the low number of cases. Over a million people have died the world over due to COVID-19 and there was still no vaccine, she said.

“I think we will have to ban musical shows, parties, etc., again for some time. The health ministry has issued 56 guidelines for various sectors. These provide comprehensive instructions on what to do and how to behave. We will now start monitoring if these guidelines are being followed.”

The Minister asked the general public to seek treatment at main government hospitals if they developed symptoms of COVID-19. We have asked main hospitals to test 10 people daily at random. This is how we found the patient from Divulapitiya.”