News

Health officials urge public to follow COVID-era guidelines

Published

2 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

Around 500 apparel factory workers hospitalized due to food poisoning

Published

2 hours ago

September 19, 2024

editor

Around 500 workers at a privately owned apparel factory in Bakamoona, Polonnaruwa have been hospitalised over food poisoning, reports say.
According to reports, the employees have fallen ill after consuming food provided by the factory.

However, they are not in critical condition and are being treated at the Bakamoona and Atthanakadawala Hospitals.

(Source : Aruna)

News

HC freezes 2 luxury apartments purchased by Keheliya’s son

Published

3 hours ago

September 19, 2024

editor

The Colombo High Court has issued an order preventing the use of two luxury apartments located in the Colpetty area which had been purchased by Ramith Rambukwella, the son of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.

The two luxury apartments had allegedly been purchased for Rs. 80 million and Rs. 65 million.

The order was issued today (19) by Colombo High Court Judge Manjula Thilakaratne after considering a request from the Bribery Commission.

The Bribery Commission informed the court that Mr. Ramith Rambukwella had purchased two apartments from an apartment complex located in Colpetty for Rs. 80 million and Rs. 65 million respectively.

The commission requested the court today to issue an order to prohibit the property from being used or accessed as an investigation is being carried out in this regard, as part of an investigation against former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.

The High Court Judge, who considered the request, issued an order preventing the use of two luxury apartments until December 19.

(adaderana.lk)

(This story, originally published by Nadaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Schools closed islandwide tomorrow

Published

3 hours ago

September 19, 2024

editor

The Ministry of Education has announced that all schools across the island will be closed tomorrow (Sep. 20) before reopening on Sep. 23.

Additionally, schools designated as polling stations are required to be handed over to the respective Grama Niladhari officials today, following the conclusion of school hours.