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Monday, 11 May 2020 00:51 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Asiri Fernando
Sri Lanka will make a bold attempt to get back to business from today after being partially shut down for seven weeks to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) which has infected 856 so far with nine more yesterday.
A record number of COVID-19 patients recovered yesterday as the Government scrambled to educate the public and put in place public health and safety measures as the Western Province prepares to reopen gradually from today whilst curfew continues. All public sector and private sector employees will be allowed to travel to work but must carry an official identity card.
According to the Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry, 61 COVID-19 patients recovered yesterday and were discharged from hospital, they return home to follow another 14-day self-quarantine program as advised by health authorities. The significant number to recover raises the total number of patients discharged to 321.
Nine new COVID-19 patients were reported as of last evening, pushing the total number of confirmed cumulative cases to 856. Out of the nine, six are Navy sailors, Health Services Director General Dr. Anil Jasinghe said yesterday.
Of the 12 persons who tested positive for the virus on Saturday, 10 were Sailors from the Welisara Navy Station, said Army Commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva at the briefing by the National Operations Centre for the Prevention of COVID-19 (NOCPC) yesterday. A total of 1,424 PCR test for COVID-19 had been conducted on Saturday, Dr. Jasinghe added.
He said 526 COVID-19 infected patients remain under treatment seven specialised hospitals. The highest number of patients (197) are being cared for at the Navy Hospital in Welisara. A further 116 suspected COVID-19 patients are being monitored in hospitals. Nine patients succumbed to the virus.
Two groups of Sri Lankan's were repatriated yesterday from Australia and Malaysia. 274 Sri Lankans from Melbourne, Australia and another 178 from Malaysia who returned to the island last evening were moved in to quarantine camps set up by the military and they will follow the mandatory quarantine program drawn up by health authorities, Lt .Gen. Silva said.
He called on the public to assist the armed forces, Police, Civil Security Department personnel and other Government officials to maintain order and ensure COVID-19 related public health regulations are followed diligently. “We must all aim not to become a COVID-19 patient or aid in its spread,” he stressed, pointing out that months of hard work and sacrifice by all would have been for nothing if COVID-19 is allowed to raise its ugly head again.
Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi urged the public not to gather or move to the cities unnecessarily once the curfew is lifted.
Speaking at the NOCPC, Wanniarachchi stated that the Government’s aim of reopening the Western Province was to get the economy and the Government sector back on track.
“We do not expect the public to gather in cities for non-essential tasks... we request the public to remain home, only venture out for the most essential tasks and not to gather in crowds in the cities,” Wanniarachchi urged the public.
The Minister pointed out that the decision to reopen tomorrow was taken by the Government based on the fact that no new COVID-19 patients were reported from the community and especially after no new cases were reported from the clusters around Bandaranaike Mawatha or Sudu Wella in Ja-Ela.
Wanniarachchi warned that those who are in quarantine, especially the families of Navy personnel and their close contacts should be mindful not to move about and remain in the 14 day self-quarantine at home once released.
Addressing the press at the NOCPC, Dr. Jasinghe echoed the Army Commander’s and Health Minister’s sentiments, calling on Sri Lankans to realise that COVID-19 will be with them for some time and following the guidelines and safety regulations will have to become a way of life in order to overcome the pandemic.
“If you have difficulties in breathing, if you are coughing, having a fever or show any signs of viral infection please call the established hotlines, get advice and admit yourself to one of the 30 specialised hospitals equipped to isolate COVID-19 patients. Please follow the public health regulations and guidelines that has been given by health authorities,” he urged.
The Police will enact a special safety and security program for the Western Province from today, with new traffic arrangements and a focus on the COVID-19 public health guidelines, said Police spokesman SP Jaliya Senaratne in a press release.
He called on the public not to take to the streets unnecessarily and called on those who commute to work (Government sector and private) to have appropriate identifications or clearance documentations with them at all times.
“If you are driving a private vehicle to work, Government employees should try to get to work before 8.30 a.m., private companies have been advised to open offices at 10 a.m. If you did drive to work by yourself, try to leave work by 3.30 p.m. so that there is on congestion on the streets,” SP Senaratne said, pointing out that several new roadblocks and checking mechanisms will be put in place from today.
Addressing the press at the NOCPC, DIG Ajith Rohana said that although the curfew is lifted, the public in the Western Province should only seek to leave their home based on the NIC number system introduced last month and only for essential tasks.
No public gatherings, meetings or parties are permitted, he added. DIG Rohana said that three-wheelers and taxis are only permitted to carry two and three passengers respectively. Both means of private transport should abide by the public health regulations announced by the Police, he added.
DIG Rohana stated that the special Police plan for the Western Province will see some 10,000 Policemen and women on posted on duty and urged the public to assist them carry out their duties by following the regulations.
