PHIs urge people to shun public events

The Public Health Inspectors Union (PHIU) yesterday urged people not to take part in gatherings that are not essential. “The country is on the brink of another serious Covid-19outbreak”, PHIU Head Upul Rohana said.

He said that the government had decided to reopen the country, despite the serious situation in and outside the country because of the current economic crisis.

“However, there are so many events, especially those that are political in nature, that are not essential. These are not needed to keep the economy running, nor are they vital for people’s survival,” he said.

Rohana said that those events posed a serious threat to the people and can act as super spreader events. “If cases rise the country might have to be closed again,” he said.

“We are at a critical place. People need to take care of themselves. Look at other countries and what is happening there. They are also predicting a Covid-19 wave in India, and we have links with that country.”

On Monday, Rohana urged parents and education officials to be vigilant about the safety of children at schools. He said that although many children had been vaccinated, it was better to be vigilant to ensure that there wouldn’t be formation of clusters around schools.