Aitken Spence Conventions and Exhibitions in partnership with the Medicare National Health Exhibition hosted a webinar looking at the way forward for travel, tourism, and events in the wake of Covid-19.
The panel consisted of a range of health professionals including Ministry of Health Director General Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Ministry of Health (Public Health) Deputy Director General Dr. H.S.R. Perera, Ministry of Health Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera, Sri Lanka Medical Nutrition Association (SLMNA) President and Medical Research Institute Department of Nutrition Head Dr. Renuka Jayatissa, Colombo Municipal Council Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Ruwan Wijayamuni, and University of Sri Jayewardenepura Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine representative Prof. Neelika Malavige. The panel was moderated by Medicare National Healthcare Exhibition Chairman and Secretary to the State Ministry of Primary Health Services, Pandemics, and Covid-19 Prevention Dr. Amal Harsha de Silva.
The panel shared insights and strategic direction from a health and safety aspect to recommence the tourism and events industry under the supervision of health authorities.
Ministry of Health (Public Health) Deputy Director General Dr. H.S.R. Perera explained that the Ministry of Health’s responsibility is to keep the population secure from Covid-19. Dr. Perera also noted that Covid-19 is not going to go away, and will be a part of our lives for the next two to three years. She added that the Ministry of Health has put out 42 guidelines with the goal of minimising the spread of Covid-19, 10 of which are applicable to events and hospitality including hotels. She explained that these guidelines are determined by the magnitude of transmission. They are meant to be relaxed based on transmission and the risks involved, but must be relaxed in combination with precautions and strategies that will help us function normally.
Ministry of Health Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera shared that it is the Ministry of Health’s strategy to identify cases and isolate patients so that they can’t spread Covid-19 to others, and that it is important we learn to live with the disease because it will not be going anywhere for a couple of years, even with vaccines in play. Dr. Samaraweera stressed that even though the death rate in Sri Lanka is not high, this is because vulnerable communities like the elderly and those with chronic diseases have so far not been heavily exposed to Covid-19, and this can change. Other countries that have seen wide community spread are inundated with deaths and those in need of intensive care, and this is a scenario that Sri Lanka could also potentially face if the threat is not taken seriously.
Dr. Samaraweera shared that for travellers the current procedure is that they take a PCR test before and after each flight, as well as spend 14 days in quarantine on arrival in Sri Lanka before being able to travel freely. Passengers will also need to follow the same procedure when departing Sri Lanka, and quarantine for 14 days when they complete their journey.
University of Sri Jayewardenepura Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine representative Prof. Neelika Malavige shared that the quarantine period is necessary because of the nature of Covid-19 and its ability to show symptoms three to 14 days after exposure or even later. Prof. Malavige noted that other countries have smaller quarantine periods and have had no major issues so far, but stressed that this is a risk that is being taken.
SLMNA President and Medical Research Institute Department of Nutrition Head Dr. Renuka Jayatissa shared that we as locals can take steps to boost our own immunity against Covid-19, by making use of immunity-boosting vitamins and minerals like Vitamin D (which we get from the sun), zinc, and magnesium (from leafy greens). Dr. Jayatissa encouraged employers and employees to put systems in place that ensure people get these immunity-boosting vitamins and minerals and increase their chances of beating the disease.
CMC Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Ruwan Wijayamuni explained that the CMC aggressively looked at first-level contacts when they heard of new clusters in a bid to curb the spread of the virus. Based on data on population and exposure, they also knew where to expect new cases to surface. Dr. Wijayamuni noted that they had been largely successful in keeping clusters contained with the Colombo East and Colombo West not being badly affected by Covid-19 infections.
Dr. Wijayamuni stressed self-discipline, noting that the most effective way to prevent the spread of Covid is physical distancing.
Dr. Samaraweera, commenting on travel, shared that the safest way forward when travel resumes is to practise the bubble concept, something being practised with the Lankan Premier League (LPL) which is currently taking place, where people stay together while in Sri Lanka and have minimal contact with locals. He also encouraged locals who frequent groups of travellers to quarantine after the group has departed.
Dr. Samaraweera also encouraged hotel staff to minimise contact with guests, frequently sanitise surfaces used, and take extra measures like wearing face shields. Dr. Samaraweera stressed the impact of following standard precautions, explaining that these standard precautions were the most effective way to minimise community spread.
The Way Forward for Travel, Tourism, and Events with Covid-19 can be viewed in its entirety on the Medicare Facebook page.
