Pavitra at last finalises covid-19 gazette

New spokesman appointed, other officials told not to deal with media; Brandix cluster 1,770

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) yesterday (15) discussed with Health Ministry Pavithra Wanniarachchi ways and means of bringing the Minuwangoda Covid-19 cluster under control.

Health sources said that 13 Brandix workers were among 49 more persons who tested positive yesterday. Sources said the others were relatives, friends and associates of Brandix workers attached to their apparel manufacturing facility. With yesterday’s cases, the total number of covid-19 patients rose to 1,770.

The government has ordered the closure of all cinemas till Oct 31 as Minister Wanniarachchi approved the issuance of new gazette to curb the resurgence of Covid-19. In terms of the new gazette, a person found guilty of violating rules and regulations can be fined up to Rs 10,000 or sentenced to six months imprisonment or made to undergo both. Besides, those entering work places should always wear masks, maintain one-meter distance between two persons, temperature tests should be conducted on workers before they enter workplaces, sufficient facilities and sanitizers should be made available, registers of all persons entering work places should be maintained.

Meanwhile, Director General of Health Services Dr. S. Sridharan has advised Provincial Directors and Regional Directors of Health Services and Directors/Medical superintendents of hospitals on how they should deal with print, electronic and social media. Dr. Sridharan said that Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera would function as the official spokesman and others should refrain from talking to the media. (SF)