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Covid-19 being reported from crowded places

15 Nov 2021

  • SLMA blames funerals, weddings
  • Health Ministry urges protests at a minimum
  • PHIs urge proper adherence to guidelines
BY Buddhika Samaraweera The Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) has pointed out that there is an increasing trend of Covid-19 infections being reported from places where large crowds gather, and said that people should limit such gatherings as much as possible to support the health sector in bringing the pandemic situation under further control. Speaking to the media yesterday (15), SLMA President Dr. Padma Gunarathne said: “According to the information available to us, the number of cases of Covid-19 infections has increased in many places where funerals, weddings, and other gatherings are taking place. People should pay close attention to this.” Meanwhile, the Health Ministry and the Public Health Inspectors’ Union (PHIU) have also pointed out the importance of taking action to control the Covid-19 pandemic by minimising public gatherings in the current situation. During a media briefing held yesterday, the media questioned Health Ministry Communications Director, Public Health Services Deputy Director General (DDG), and Disaster Preparedness and Response Division Head Dr. Hemantha Herath whether there would be a spread of the Covid-19 pandemic due to the ongoing protests in various parts of the country. “I don’t even need to talk about it. It is very clear that the disease can be spread through the unnecessary gathering of people. Especially if a Covid-19-infected person attends such an assembly, the disease will spread to a large number of people there. Therefore, such gatherings should be kept to a minimum,” he said in response. Meanwhile, PHIU President Upul Rohana said that the lives of the people are protected to the extent to which people follow the Covid-19-related health guidelines properly. According to the Epidemiology Unit, as of 11.30 p.m. on 14 November, there were 13,995 Covid-19 deaths recorded, while the total number of infections stood at 551,542, of which a total of 523,929 patients had recovered. The Health Ministry has recently warned that if people continue to disregard the Covid-19-related health guidelines, the Government and other relevant authorities will have to resort to precautionary measures such as the re-imposition of travel restrictions, in order to prevent another wave of Covid-19.


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