Increase in covid cases, but no plans to impose restrictions

The COVID-19 virus has made a resurgence in recent weeks claiming eight lives this week amidst a fast-spreading influenza virus.

But health authorities will not impose any preventive regulations, including moves to restrict the arrival of foreigners in view of much-anticipated tourist arrivals in the coming weeks, officials said.

Health Services Deputy Director General Dr. Hemantha Herath said the Health Ministry had no plans to tighten health measures against the deadly virus and there were no moves to restrict tourist arrivals.

“We cannot impose strict health regulations like making it mandatory for people to wear masks in public places. The country is relying on the income generated from tourism and big numbers of tourists are expected in the coming weeks. Most tourists visiting are from winter countries,” he said.

Among the eight COVID-19 deaths reported this week, the majority are above the age of 60. About 150 persons were tested positive for the virus.

“Due to limited testing, the numbers of COVID positive persons cannot be exactly determined,” Dr. Herath said.

China, which is maintaining a zero-covid policy, also reported its first death in six months. Sri Lanka is planning to attract one million Chinese tourists once the Chinese restrictions are relaxed, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador in Beijing Dr. Palitha Kohona said this week.

The Foreign Ministry said Sri Lanka’s Beijing embassy was also actively exploring the possibility of Chinese cruise ships and yachts visiting Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, the country is expecting another cruise ship with about 3000 tourists, mainly from East Asia. According to Sri Lanka Tourism, more than 40,000 tourists have arrived in the country so far this month.

“Tourists may be vaccinated or not. Most will not wear masks. But we request those especially in high-risk groups to continue wearing facemasks in public places while frequent handwashing, hand sanitising and maintaining distance are strongly recommended to all,” Dr. Herath said.

Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Samitha Ginige said only half of the total population had obtained the booster vaccine and this would make more people vulnerable.

He said influenza was spreading in the country, with flu-like symptoms. Elderly people, expectant mothers, children below two years and those with respiratory and chronic illnesses are requested to remain indoors as much as possible and wear a mask when in crowded places.

Dr. Ananda Wijewickrema, consultant physician at the Infectious Diseases Hospital, said an increasing number of influenza patients were coming to the hospital for treatment.