News
Have a focal point at workplace to monitor COVID-19 situation
By Kumudini Hettiarachchi and Ruqyyaha Deane
View(s): Here are the highlights of Friday’s media briefing at the Health Promotion Bureau chaired by Director Dr. Ranjith Batuwanthudawe.
Acting Deputy Director-General and Director of Environmental Health, Occupational Health and Food Safety, Dr. Thilak Siriwardena:
- People working in enclosed spaces are at risk of contracting COVID-19. Therefore, they have to adhere to health guidelines by maintaining social distancing, increasing ventilation, ensuring hand hygiene and wearing face masks.
- It would be good if workplaces have a focal point who coordinates with staff to manage the COVID-19 situation and ensure the health of the employees.
- Most employees in private institutions seem to be less interested in getting the booster. It is vital to get it. If anyone is finding it difficult to get the booster, he/she should contact the Health Ministry.
The Intensive Care Specialist at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL), Dr. Anthony Mendis:
- I have been monitoring COVID-19 since its inception. In April/May 2020, we imposed lockdowns. Many people got the infection, suffered severe disease and died of pneumonia.
- Even though the new variant is spreading among people who have got vaccinated, it is causing only mild disease. Therefore, the best solution is to get the vaccine. Now there are fewer people being admitted to the ICU. This is because people have received both doses of the vaccine and also the booster. If there are more patients, we will reach maximum capacity. Therefore, we urge that everyone should get the vaccine.
- We have a responsibility to protect everybody from the virus. The vaccine prevents disease severity and minimizes the chances of pneumonia, leading to death.
- When asked whether there will be another COVID-19 wave, he said the daily cases are increasing. This means there is a wave. But vaccination has helped to keep those who test positive out of the ICU because they get only mild disease.
- The two High Dependency Units (HDUs) at NHSL are full. A week ago though there were only a few admissions to the HDUs.
The Health Ministry’s Head of the Division of Disaster Preparedness and Response, Dr. Hemantha Herath:
- There are COVID waves everywhere. Without awaiting another wave, we should take action to prevent one. The way to do this is to adhere to health guidelines and get vaccinated.
- During the long weekend, people went on trips. People are also reluctant to get the booster dose. There is wider coverage when vaccinating children. This is because parents take these decisions. Therefore they take their children to get the vaccine. But when it comes to adults, each individual can decide whether they want the vaccine or not.
- Some people are delaying taking the vaccine because myths are being circulated.
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