We will minimise the risk factors for COVID-19 when airports re-open - Army Chief

• When hit by the COVID-19, the authorities gave certain instructions well in advance as to how things should happen
• Travellers who will be coming in once the airports re-open will have to do a PCR test before arriving here
• I believe that the government will issue instructions once the decisions are solid
• Once the PCR test is done at the airport, they will be held in a location until their reports are clear

By JAMILA HUSAIN  

Sri Lankan authorities involved in the battle against the COVID-19 will minimise the risk factor for a re-emergence of the virus once the airports re-open in August so that the society will remain safe, Army Commander, Lt. General Shavendra Silva told Daily Mirror

In an interview, Silva said when Sri Lanka was initially hit by the COVID-19, the authorities gave certain instructions well in advance as to how things should happen.

 “Therefore I believe that the government will issue instructions once the decisions are solid. I am sure that all stakeholders, organisations and establishments who are going to get involved once the airports are re-opened, will be given the guidelines and the instructions,” he said.  

 Travellers who will be coming in once the airports re-open will have to do a PCR test before arriving here to produce negative reports.   

Upon their arrival, they will be tested again at the airport. “This is what has been discussed. Plans are yet to finalise though. Once the PCR test is done at the airport, they will be held in a location until their reports are clear and only then can they proceed to enter the country. Even though they go out there will be a monitoring system in place. Therefore I believe if there is a system in place, we might have nothing to worry,” Silva said.   
“There is a little bit of a risk but we believe that with the procedures in place, we will minimise the risk factor. For anything there is a risk. So I believe that the government will take every possible action to ensure that this opening will not have any negative effect on the society,” Silva added.  .  

• All stakeholders, organisations and establishments will be given guidelines and  instructions
• Travellers coming in will have to do a PCR test on arrival
• Every possible action will be taken to ensure that this opening will not have any negative effect on the society