COVID under control, but…

Issuing a press release the Director General of Health Services (DGHS), Dr. Asela Gunawardena said that the country has achieved significant control of the COVID-19 epidemic.

However, there is still a risk of an increase in the COVID-19 transmission due to cluster formation. Because of this, some restrictions have to be imposed, he said.

“It is important to comply with the directions issued by the Director General of Health Services, subject to quarantine regulations. These directions have given more responsibility to the Medical Officers of Health (MOH) for regulation and monitoring at the ground level. The contribution and active engagement of the relevant Ministries is very important to create the inter-sectoral relationship and awareness needed to support this task successfully,” he said.

Dr. Gunawardena added that contributing to the control of COVID-19 is the responsibility of every citizen as well as every governmental, non-governmental and private institutions.

He added that continuous attention should be paid for the following areas : Continued practices to prevent the spread of the virus; i.e.Distancing (D), Respiratory etiquette (Re), Aseptic techniques — hand hygiene and disinfecting common and frequently touched surfaces (A), wearing of Mask in public (M) – D Re A M) i.e., the New- Normal.

“We also think that a continuous programme is needed to educate the public with wide media coverage in order to adhere to recommended health practices. We also want to push for a 100% vaccination coverage for the recommended target groups. People must also refrain from non-essential travel and restrict movements outside home as far as possible,” he said.

People must also take safer transport methods. The government must improve the availability of transport facilities to ensure that buses and trains are less crowded. He said.

“Only seated passengers should be in public transport. Public and shared transport should preferably be non-air-conditioned, and windows should be opened. All passengers should wear a mask properly during travel. The workplaces can function as usual adhering to the COVID-19 precautionary measures,” he said.

Dr. Gunawardena said public gatherings, meetings, events are not permitted until further notice unless prior approval is obtained from the Proper Authority for the whole of Sri Lanka, i.e. him.

“The MOH is to be supported by the local committees including the community police force in supervising the public and work settings. The MOH, based on local monitoring of disease transmission situation will inform the DGHS for clearance on closure or functioning of public or work settings as per the directions issued by the Ministry of Health. Considering the controlled nature of the COVID-19 epidemic and the possibility of further escalation of the epidemic, the manner in which public activities are permitted has been announced,” Dr. Gunawardena said.