• Risk of infection quite higher in air-conditioned environment

 By Sheain Fernandopulle

While stressing that the spread of COVID-19 within companies in the country is on the rise, Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera said yesterday the risk of infection was quite dramatic in closed and air-conditioned spaces.

He told the media that they had noticed a fair rise in the number of COVID cases within office premises.
“People would be vulnerable to the virus in a closed room especially in air-conditioned spaces. Thus, it is recommended to stay in an environment with open windows. We also urge people to strictly follow health guidelines when they stay in a closed room or an air-conditioned room,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Samaraweera requested people to immediately seek hospital treatment if they have COVID-19 symptoms or feel unwell.
“It has been reported that people tend to stay at home when they feel unfit and experiment with various medicines without seeking proper medical assistance. Thus, we urge people to seek treatment in a hospital when they come up with COVID symptoms and even feel unfit,” he stressed.  

He also urged the general public to be cautious as the new variant detected in Sri Lanka had high degree of transmissibility.

“Those infected with the new variant show complications, unlike the previous strain. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to strictly follow health guidelines and restrict unnecessary movement,” he said.

Meanwhile health officials urged all private and state companies who have staff reporting to work to conduct temperature checks and maintain all health guidelines.

All companies have been urged to get minimum staff to report to work as a work from home policy was now in place.