A letter issued by the Deputy Chief Secretary (Administration) of the Western Province advised the use of face masks in office premises and public areas due to the spread of influenza and Covid-19. However, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, Specialist Dr. Anil Jasinghe, has requested that the directive be reconsidered.
Dr. Jasinghe acknowledged a rise in respiratory illnesses during the rainy season, including potential Covid-19 cases, which is now categorized among other infectious diseases. He emphasized that it is not necessary to bar individuals with coughs or phlegm from attending work. Instead, he recommended that only those showing symptoms wear face masks.
