Sri Lankans did not see the gravity of Corona and now they are careless and do not follow health guidelines which is a pathetic situation, Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera said.
Addressing a press conference held at the Health Promotion Bureau in Colombo yesterday he said Sri Lanka had done the required number of PCR tests so far and that all Sri Lankans must follow all health guidelines to prevent a COVID-19 outbreak but they do not do it. "They are not scared because they did not see the real crisis which Sri Lanka had overcome successfully. The most important rule is keeping at least one meter distance from each other all the time.
Dr. Samaraweera pointed out that television channels set a very bad example by showing hugging during reality shows, especially showing how popular personalities such as actors and singers hug others during those shows.
“People think hugging is all right. But we should not hug and always keep at least a one metre distance from each other all the time in order to prevent COVID-19. Health authorities cannot play the role of watch dogs all the time making sure that every person follows health guidelines and it is the responsibility of the public to follow all health guidelines all the time and protect themselves from the COVID-19.
They are wearing a mask in public, keeping at least a one metre distance from another, wash hands with soap and water, use a hand sanitizer whenever soap and water not available and avoid touching the face.
Colombo Municipal Council's Chief Medical Officer Dr.Ruwan Wijayamuni said the ongoing book exhibition at the BMICH should be stopped if the organizers cannot make sure that the health guidelines issued to them by the health authorities are followed by the visitors.
