GMOA recommends on-arrival testing to prevent second coronavirus wave

COLOMBO (News1st) : A medical officers body has recommended on-arrival testing for those arriving in Sri Lanka from overseas, as part of a five point recommendation to prevent a second wave of coronavirus cases. "A clear and efficient plan is required to prevent the virus from entering the community from the clusters of the Navy and foreign expatriates," the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) said. Sri Lanka has recorded 1566 cases of the coronavirus, which includes 734 navy personnel, who account for 46.8 percent of the toll. The country has also seen a spike in cases after it began repatriating people from other countries. Official figures show that 430 among them had tested positive for the virus. "Conduct on-arrival testing on those arriving from overseas, and direct them to quarantine centres or hospitals, based on the results of the tests," the GMOA said. Individuals arriving from overseas are directly transported to state-run quarantine centres in the country. Accordingly, the medical officers body recommended that constant checks must be carried out on all those who come into contact with these people. This includes, the flight crew, airport staff, health officers, police officers, and tri-forces personnel. "Even if the country lifts all its restrictions, the people should conduct themselves according to several health regulations," the GMOA noted. It recommended people to follow the DREAM method, that includes distancing, respiratory etiquette, aseptic etiquette, and wearing masks.