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Health Ministry urges ‘responsible’ public gathering

09 Feb 2022

BY Buddhika Samaraweera Emphasising that the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic could occur through public gatherings even if the people follow Covid-19-related health guidelines, the Health Ministry has urged organisers and participants of such gatherings to act responsibly. Speaking at a media briefing held yesterday (9), the Health Ministry’s Communications Director, Public Health Services Deputy Director General (DDG), and the Disaster Preparedness and Response Division Head Dr. Hemantha Herath said: “This is not something we have to say specifically. Even if the health guidelines are followed, if a large number of people gather, Covid-19 will spread through such.” He further added that the health authorities expect the parties organising large gatherings and the people attending them to act responsibly. He said that such gatherings could make not only the participants but also their family members, victims of Covid-19. “These gatherings not only affect the people who attended them. Ultimately, their families can also be affected,” said Dr. Herath. According to the Epidemiology Unit, as of 10 a.m. yesterday, Sri Lanka has recorded 15,656 Covid-19 deaths, while the total number of infections stood at 621,985 of which a total of 593,602 patients have recovered. Meanwhile, Dr. Herath, on an earlier occasion, said that Covid-19 is not a pandemic that the health sector alone could control. Noting that it is the people who can bring this under control, he said that it is very important that everyone follows the health guidelines. He further said that the majority of the people are following the health guidelines at present, but added however that a few people seem to be disregarding the same.


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