NCE urges export enterprises to adopt swift measures to overcome resurgence of COVID-19 

The National Chamber of Exporters (NCE) on Monday appealed to all export enterprises to adopt and adhere to effective health measures to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.
Currently the second wave of COVID-19, is sweeping through many countries in Europe and rest of the world. Simultaneously, the resurgence of COVID -19 from October 2020 in Sri Lanka will have a devastating effect on the economy together with livelihood of the people, the NCE said in a statement.
“Sri Lanka acclaimed plaudits from many world leaders, for the successful measures adopted in preventing the spread of COVID-19, led by the Government with dedicated Health sector officials and Tri Forces and Police. This demonstrated a very low mortality rate with a high recovery rate, compared to many countries in the world. In this endeavour, business ventures, especially those in the export sector, demonstrated their resilience and counter measures to overcome the new challenge. As a result, the country was able to display its brand image, prominently to the world,” it said. 
The export sector swiftly got back to the track with noteworthy achievements over the past two months, by reaching pre-COVID 19 levels of US$1 billion in spite of the recessionary conditions in the overseas markets. But the devastating effects on the tourism sector and a substantial reduction of remittances from overseas workers, most of whom have lost their employment have made a negative impact to the economy. The rapid recovery of exports to a great extent has been due to the innovative measures adopted by export enterprises willing to adapt their products and services to satisfy the needs of overseas consumers, arising out of the new demands related to COVID -19. Also the enterprises adopting and maintaining efficient health measures to sustain supplies and services attributed to buyer confidence too, the statement added.  
“But in recent times, it was noticed that the community has taken things for granted by letting down the guard, by ignoring or not adequately adhering to the guidelines imposed by the Health authorities. This undermines the sacrifices made by all medical professionals, front-line workers in the Health sector, as well as the valiant Tri Forces and Police personnel, backed by the practical policy measures adopted by the Government. As a result, the re-emergence of the virus, which is on the verge of a community spread will have a devastating effect on already battered economy as well as the livelihoods of our people. Therefore it is vital that everyone gears fast to overcome the new challenge, by conforming to health guidelines. In workplaces all employees and the management are equally duty bound to maintain health of all at work and adopt swift counter measures to overcome any threats at the first sign of a health-related issue. These measures should be tailored according to the scale of the enterprise. The large enterprises, especially those in the Export Zones, having in-house Medical personnel or the small and medium sector, having designated staff should promptly seek the assistance from state Health personnel in their respective areas, at the first sign of a threat to the health. In this regard, all employers and employees should resolve to protect their human resources to the maximum possible extent, without any lapses on their part, to overcome the current crisis situation,” the statement added.