Health officials demand return of COVID rules as flu cases skyrocket

• Children  and older people should wear masks, practice good hand hygiene, and  maintain physical distancing, especially on public transport and at  social gatherings
• Uptick in COVID-19 positive cases 
• Schools, daycares identified as primary hotspots for outbreak

By Sheain Fernandopulle

In  light of influenza cases climbing to unprecedented levels, health  officials have urged the public to comply with the safety guidelines  observed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Consultant Paediatrician  Dr. LakKumar Fernando emphasised the urgency of the situation,  particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and  immunocompromised individuals.

 Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Dr.  Fernando highlighted the need for the public to adhere to safety  guidelines that were crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic.  “Children  and older people should wear masks, practice good hand hygiene, and  maintain physical distancing, especially on public transport and at  social gatherings,” he stated.

“Schools, daycares are identified  as primary hotspots for outbreak. Thus, parents are urged to monitor  their children’s health closely and refrain from sending them to schools  or daycares if they exhibit any symptoms,” Dr Fernando added. 

The  symptoms of the current influenza wave include fever, chills, headache,  runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, nausea, fatigue, loss of  appetite, and sore throat. Meanwhile, Government Medical  Officers’ Association (GMOA) Media Spokesman Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe  confirmed the drastic surge in influenza cases. He also noted a slight increase in COVID-19 positive cases, with a few resulting in deaths. 

Most of the victims are unvaccinated. However, some of the deaths can’t  be directly attributed to COVID-19 though PCR reports test  positive. 
He also stressed since COVID cases are not reported at an alarming rate, there is no need for people to panic.