According to the latest statistics issued by the Epidemiology Unit yesterday a total of 133 individuals (including nine foreigners) are currently under observation for COVID-19. Eighteen Sri Lankans living in Sri Lanka found positive for the virus are now being treated at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital and several other centres.
There are 45 suspected individuals at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), one at Kandy National Hospital, two at Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital, four individuals at Karapitiya Teaching Hospital, six at Ragama Teaching Hospital, 14 at Kurunegala Teaching Hospital, 13 at Gampaha DGH, 15 at Negombo DGH, four children at Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH), five at Ragama Teaching Hospital, two at Jaffna Teaching Hospital, 12 at Ratnapura Teaching Hospital, two at Badulla PGH, three at NHSL, one at Batticaloa Teaching Hospital and 12 at Polonnaruwa DGH.
As a precaution to limit the spread of the virus, the Government has declared today (March 16) a public, bank and mercantile holiday. In addition the police issued a statement prohibiting all public and private sector events for two weeks with effect from last Saturday. Police noted that under the Quarantine and Prevention of Disease Ordinance any person who acts in violation of Government’s directives on quarantines will be taken into custody without any warrant. Strict action will be taken against those who do not comply with the quarantine process, police pointed out.
Meanwhile, the Department of Immigration and Emigration yesterday suspended the issuance of visas to nationals France, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Netherlands, Sweden, Austria, Qatar and Bahrain for 14 days. The ETA exemption for Maldives, Singapore and Seychelles was also to be suspended at midnight yesterday. However, exemptions might be allowed for diplomatic and UN personnel from these countries on essential business.
According to the situation report issued by the WHO on 14th Saturday, a total of 5393 people had died due to COVID-19 and 142,539 cases had been reported from 135 countries.
According to the Health Ministry sources, in the current Sri Lankan context, there is no scientific justification to wear face masks routinely. Health experts say that it is good if sick people (sick with flu, influenza etc.) and the people with significantly low immunity due to special health conditions such as recent major surgeries, chemotherapy, or those suffering from NCDs such as diabetes, etc can wear face masks while visiting public places.
According to the instructions issued by Health Promotion Bureau (HPB) Dr. Karunapema, people should wash hands often with soap and avoid touching the face, nose, mouth and eyes before washing/sanitizing hands. The mouth should be covered with disposable tissue or the inner side of the elbow when coughing and sneezing. The used tissues should be disposed of in a bin with a lid. If a person suffers from symptoms such as fever, cough, cold, sore throat or difficulty in breathing, he/she should avoid visiting public places and crowded places. He/she should consult a doctor and inform the doctor about any foreign tours completed during the past 14 days.
(Daily News)