PHI’s warn of surge in COVID cases due to protests, political gatherings

12 January 2022 09:33 am Views - 172

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

Political rallies, protests and unnecessary gatherings could result in a spike in COVID cases in the near future, the Public Health Inspectors’ Union warned yesterday.   

PHIU Head Upul Rohana said the health authorities had turned a blind eye to these gatherings which in fact violate existing quarantine regulations.  


“In a such a situation where Sri Lanka is on the verge of facing an Omicron-fueled wave, these type of gatherings would worsen the situation,” he stated.  


“The authorities must take stringent actions against such moves; otherwise, the repercussions could be detrimental even leading to the closure of the country once again,” he stressed.  
Upul Rohana also requested people not to participate in such gatherings.  


Meanwhile, Deputy Director General of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath urged the general public to strictly adhere to health guidelines and to take the booster dose as early as possible to avert any possible COVID waves.