Two suspected cases of Corona virus in Sri Lanka

Colombo (News 1st): Two people including a Chinese woman have been admitted to the Infectious Diseases Hospital on suspicion they were infected by the Corona virus. Samples have been sent to the Medical Research Institute. The Corona virus that was first reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan, has now spread to the USA, France, Nepal, Thailand, Japan, North Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Australia, and India. In China, 41 people have died and 1,287 cases have been recorded on the mainland. Chinese President Xi Jinping held a special government meeting today, to warn that the spread of the deadly Corona virus is "accelerating". Foreign media reported that from Sunday, private vehicles will be banned from the central districts of Wuhan, the source of the outbreak. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's ministry of foreign relations said, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing is in consultation with them, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China to provide necessary advice to Sri Lankan students residing in Wuhan, to protect them from the deadly infection. The Embassy is also in close consultation with the Beijing based foreign Embassies, with regard to the course of action being taken about their citizens in Wuhan. In the event of a necessity for evacuation, the Embassy in consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Relations in Colombo is making preparations for the students and their family members numbering 30. Director of Health Services, Dr.Anil Jasinghe said, there had been no cases of corona-virus were reported in Sri Lanka. However, there is a large number of Chinese nationals who had left for China from Sri Lanka, for the Chinese new year. What measures have been taken to prevent the Corona virus from spreading to Sri Lanka? Director of Health Services Dr Anil Jasinghe speaking to News 1st noted that there is a program currently in place at the Katunayaka International Airport, to detect individuals with symptoms of the Corona virus. He added that the set up at the airport also includes thermal scanning facilities and all equipment and facilities required to ensure the safety of patients and medical staff, have been arranged. He said that they have informed the airport's health unit with regard to the use of face masks. He went onto note that the installed scanner only detects individuals with high body temperature and does not identify whether the individual is diagnosed with any sickness. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's health ministry has urged Sri Lankans to follow precautionary measures when touring China. Senior Epidemiologist of the Epidemiology Unit Dr Sudath Samaraweera noted;

"You do not have to worry about visiting countries that have confirmed cases of Corona virus. However, you must follow precautionary measures, such as refrain from visiting crowded places. You must always keep your hands clean, wash them with soap, use a tissue or handkerchief to wipe your nose. Refrain from socializing with individuals who have a fever or cough. Those who have difficulty in breathing, who have a cold, or fever, must receive treatment immediately."