Minuwangoda cluster - majority of cases are 'asymptomatic': Dr. Hemantha Herath

COLOMBO (News 1st): A majority of COVID-19 cases confirmed from the Minuwangoda cluster are asymptomatic patients (patients who show no symptoms of being infected), health authorities said.  "A majority of patients detected so far are asymptomatic, while a few others show minor symptoms. It is impossible to know the condition of the cases in the future, given the difficulty in predicting the evolution of the virus," Dr. Hemantha Herath, Acting Deputy Director-General of Health Services told News 1st on Saturday (Oct. 10). However, health authorities are fully geared up to face any situation that may arise in the future, Dr. Herath emphasized. "In the event, any COVID-19 patient requires extraordinary care, steps will be taken to transport such cases to fully equipped COVID-19 treatment facilities," he further noted. Responding to a question raised on the steps that should be followed, if anyone shows symptoms of the virus, Dr. Hemantha Herath said, "The first step is to remain indoors and distance themselves from other family members while following the basic guidelines such as wearing face masks and washing hands." "If symptoms do not go away within a day and the individual had travelled to any COVID-19 hotspots, they should inform the Medical Officers of Health and/or Public Health Inspectors in the respective area," Dr. Herath noted. Thereby, the respective officers will conduct PCR tests and instruct on the future course of action. "It is important to remain indoors and isolate during this process," Dr. Herath emphasized.