COVID 19 effects in Sri Lanka

The COVID 19 was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in December 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 30 January 2020 and recognized it as a pandemic on 11 March 2020. As of 5 April 2020, more than 1,203,485 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in over 206 countries and territories, resulting in over 64,784 deaths. More than 247,001 people have recovered. In Sri Lanka 167 patients, 29 recovered and 5 deaths cases of COVID-19.

As Sri Lankans, we should be proud. This is because the US, England, France and Germany, which are known as the most powerful countries, covid 19 even when faced with an impossible situation.As a small country, our country's security and health services should be highly valued in their role as role models for each country. I am fortunate to have been born in Sri Lanka.

The virus is mainly spread during close contact and by small droplets produced when people cough or sneeze. Respiratory droplets may be produced during breathing but the virus is not generally airborne, People may also catch COVID-19 by touching a contaminated surface and then their face. It is most contagious when people are symptomatic, although spread may be possible before symptoms appear. The time between exposure and symptom onset is typically around five days, but may range from 2 to 14 days. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Complications may include pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. There is no known vaccine or specific antiviral treatment.

You can protect yourself and help prevent spreading the virus to others if you:

• Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub
• Cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or flexed elbow when you cough or sneeze
•  Avoid close contact (1 meter or 3 feet) with people who are unwell
•  Stay home and self-isolate from others in the household if you feel unwell

So don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth if your hands are not clean.

(Source - www.epid.gov.lk & www.unicef.org/srilanka/protection-corona-virus-covid-19)