Don’t worry about COVID, but be really concerned with keeping surroundings clean to avoid dengue

By Rathindra Kuruwita

There is no reason for the people to panic about alleged reports of the spread of COVID and other respiratory diseases, the Ministry of Health has said.Dr. G. Wijesuriya of the Ministry said yesterday that they were testing people who visited government hospitals on a daily basis.

“It has been reported that a Covid-19 patient was detected at Lady Ridgeway Hospital. This is not true. If there are cases of COVID and influenza, we are ready to handle the situaiton. However, what people should be really concerned is the spread of dengue. Keep your surroundings clean,” he said.

Dr. Wijesuriya said if someone had a cold, a cough or fever they had to refrain from visiting public places.

Chamal Sanjeewa, Chairman of the Professional Forum of Physicians on Medical and Civil Rights, said that Minister of Health, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana had not met unions and civil society organisations contrary to his promise.

“The Minister seems to have reposed trust in the same corrupt medical administrators. He needs to be vigilant,” Dr. Sanjeewa said.