Health officials demand return of COVID rules as flu cases skyrocket

-Uptick in COVID-19 positive cases

-Schools, daycares identified as primary hotspots for outbreak

Colombo, July 30 (Daily Mirror) - 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 the 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.