News

Health officials urge public to follow COVID-era guidelines

Published

6 months ago

July 30, 2024

editor

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.

(dailymirror.lk)
(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Cultural celebration held to mark Chinese New Year (Pics / Video)

Published

7 hours ago

January 20, 2025

editor

To mark the upcoming Chinese New Year festival, the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka and the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism jointly hosted a cultural celebration last night (Jan. 19) at the Cinnamon Life Hotel.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who attended the event as Chief Guest, delivered a congratulatory message from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for the Chinese New Year.

The celebration was also attended by former President – Maithripala Sirisena, former Prime Minister – Dinesh Gunawardena, Industry Minister – Sunil Handunnetti, Deputy Minister Finance and Planning – Dr. Harshana Sooriyapperuma and other political dignitaries, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka – Qi Zhenhong, Prime Minister’s Secretary – Pradeep Saputhanthri as well as a large gathering of Sri Lankans and Chinese nationals.

Impressive Kungfu performances, colourful dances and musical performances graced the evening as well as traditional Chinese art forms such as paper cutting, calligraphy and sugar crafting.

A special delegation comprising 34 members from the Henan Art Troupe and the Sichuan Chef Team has also arrived in Sri Lanka as part of the New Year celebrations. In addition, the festivities will feature the “Chinese Food Festival” and the “Port City Chinese Cultural Night,” scheduled to take place from January 20 to 23.

According to the Chinese lunar calendar, 2025 is the year of the wood snake. The Snake is known for qualities such as grace, intelligence, and intuition.

(Pics – Shanika Jayasekara / Video – Kelum Shivantha)

News

UNP – SJB talks to kick off tonight

Published

7 hours ago

January 20, 2025

editor

The Working Committee of the United National Party (UNP) has given the green light to initiate discussions with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) on the possibility of uniting for the upcoming elections.

The Working Committee of the UNP convened this afternoon (Jan. 20) at the party headquarters to deliberate on the matter.

Meanwhile, General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), Ranjith Madduma Bandara has said that the first discussion regarding the potential unification of the UNP and the SJB for the upcoming elections will take place in Colombo tonight (Jan. 20).

News

Schools in North Central & Eastern Provinces to reopen tomorrow

Published

7 hours ago

January 20, 2025

editor

All government schools in the North Central Province which had remained closed today (Jan. 20) due to adverse weather conditions will also reopen tomorrow (21), the provincial education authorities said.

Earlier today, it was announced that all government schools in the Eastern Province will also be reopened from tomorrow.