• A rise in cases due to the protest would only be seen after 10 to 15 days
• If COVID cases would not increase in the next 10 to 15 days as expected based on their efforts it doesn’t mean that such protests do not lead to a rise in cases.

By Sheain Fernandopulle  

All necessary steps are being taken to prevent a possible surge in COVID cases which could be experienced consequent to the protest campaign by a political party in Colombo on Tuesday (16), the Health Ministry said.  

Deputy Director General of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath told a news briefing at the Health Promotion Bureau yesterday that the possible rise in cases due to the protest would only be seen after 10 to 15 days.  
“We, as health authorities do not wait until damage occurs but take all remedial measures to avert the damage before it turns worse ” Dr. Herath highlighted.  

“Likewise, we will do our part as Health authorities to prevent a spike in cases due to the protest,” he added.  
However, he made the point clear that if COVID cases would not increase in the next 10 to 15 days as expected because of their efforts, it doesn’t mean that such protests do not lead to rise in cases.  

“We neither give consent nor condone such moves by political parties or any other organisations to launch such protests when the country is at a crucial juncture in terms of the pandemic.    

• Health authorities do not wait until damage occurs but take all remedial measures to avert the damage before it turns worse
• We neither give consent nor condone such moves by political parties or any other organisations to launch such protests when the country is at a crucial juncture