COVID-19 control and prevention President stresses need to strengthen control activities

By Sandun A. Jayasekera   

A team of medical specialists who met President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday had requested him to pay attention to the standard of the chemicals used for disinfection available in the market.   

Accordingly, President Rajapaksa instructed the relevant officials to investigate the quality of the hazmat suits used by health and security personnel who are engaged in quarantine activities.   

President Rajapaksa has stressed that the Covid-19 control activities should be strengthened by identifying and rectifying the shortcomings and omissions during a discussion with members of the Presidential Task Force on COVID–19 prevention held at the Presidential Secretariat Thursday.   

Quoting the renowned pathologist Prof. Malik Peiris, resident in Hong Kong, doctors told the gathering that measures taken by the Government to prevent the spread of the disease have elevated Sri Lanka to the forefront in the battle against the virus.   

While commending everyone including health and security personnel who contributed to this achievement, the President said the momentum should continue. He also pointed out the need to formulate a specific plan deviating from the old practice when dealing with distinctive groups and people living in clusters.   
Around 997 Navy officers have been subjected to PCR tests. Out of this only 159 have been tested positive. Around 80% of them have not shown any symptoms. Doctors said that it is due to the enhanced immunity developed within the body. 

The President said a comprehensive study needs to be conducted to explore the possibility of utilizing indigenous medicine to boost immunity.   

Researches are already underway under the guidance of indigenous and Western physicians.   
The President stressed that extra vigilance is needed in monitoring the adherence to the recommendations prescribed by the Government for state sector entities when they resume work.   

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa explained in detail about the importance of maintaining the mental well-being of children during the curfew period.   

A total of 21,000 PCR tests have been conducted so far and only 3% out of this figure has been confirmed as infected. Doctors pointed out that this was a positive aspect of the quarantine process. Domestic production of testing kits in order to increase daily tests has already commenced. This marks a remarkable achievement by
our health sector. 

The President requested to be informed of any hindrance that affects the promotion of these products.   
Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Secretary to the President P. B. Jayasundera, Secretary to the Prime Minister Gamini Senarath, Secretary Defense Kamal Gunaratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Health Bhadrani Jayawardene, Commanders of Tri-Forces, Acting IGP, medical consultants and the members of the Task Force were also present during the discussion.   

Around 997 Navy officers have been subjected to PCR tests. Out of this  only 159 have been tested positive. Around 80% of them have not shown  any symptoms. Doctors said that it is due to the enhanced immunity  developed within the body