• The virus could be contained with the help of the prevailing travel restrictions
• Company heads are urged to summon only the essential staffers 
•  It will take some time to experience the actual results of the current travel restrictions

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

While admitting it would take some time to experience the actual results of the current travel restrictions, Deputy Director General of Health Services said if people’s movement continues to increase, it would take more time to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.  

Addressing the media at the Health Promotion Bureau yesterday, he said they were confident that the virus could be contained with the help of the prevailing travel restrictions.  

“However, it is of utmost importance that movement of the people should be curtailed. That’s why we urge company heads to summon only the essential staffers,” Dr. Herath said.  

“This cannot be done with the law alone. We need self-discipline. Otherwise, the situation could turn worse,” he stressed.  

When asked whether there has been a decrease in COVID cases following the travel restrictions, Dr. Herath explained that the highest number of cases ever, were reported 15 days ago, and subsequently there was a decline.  

“However, the active cases surged after 10-12 days, since the highest number of cases was reported. Though the cases did not increase in great numbers, we did notice an increase nevertheless,” he pointed out.  
“The reason for the increase is the conducting of PCR tests on the contacts of patients detected 15 days ago,” Dr. Herath noted.  

“There could be fluctuations in the future as well. But it will take some time to experience the actual results of the current travel restrictions,” he added. 

*** The highest number of cases ever, were reported 15 days ago, and subsequently there was a decline