November 9 (Daily Mirror) – Sri Lanka’s Epidemiology Unit yesterday warned that there may be asymptomatic COVID-19 patients within society and the public should strictly follow all health guidelines when the curfew in several areas of Western Province is lifted today.
Chief Epidemiologist, Dr. Sudath Samaraweera said that the public must not return to normalcy, assuming the virus had been eradicated and cautioned that if health guidelines are not followed, it posed the risk of the virus spreading further.
He cautioned that the risk of the coronavirus spreading in the Western Province remains.
“You may not know that you have the virus as you may not have the symptoms. Or someone you know may have the virus but may not show the symptoms. So even though the curfew is lifted it is still important that you stay at home and go out only if required,” Samaraweera said.
He further said that senior citizens and those suffering from illnesses were at a greater risk of contracting the virus and urged these people to stay indoors.
“If you must go out then make sure only one person from the family goes out and ensure all the health guidelines are strictly followed. It is also important to limit or suspend public meetings because of the risk posed from the virus,” he said.
Although the curfew in the Western Province will be lifted today, several areas, which have been identified as risk areas will remain under isolation.
Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said residents of these areas will not be allowed to leave their homes and no one will be allowed to enter these areas unless there is a medical requirement.
12 police areas in Colombo, 8 police areas in Gampaha, two police areas in Kalutara, two police areas in Kegalle district and one police area in Kurunegala have been declared as isolated areas with effect from 5 a.m. today. In addition, health authorities have isolated five condominiums in Colombo Central and Colombo north areas. Therefore, the residents of those condominiums are strictly prohibited to leave their condominiums under any circumstances unless it is for a medical requirement. (Jamila Husain)