Claiming that relaxing the mandatory face mask wearing was taken following a decision of the Expert Committee on Covid-19 control, Health Minister Prof. Channa Jayasumana said yesterday he instructed Director General of Health Services to review the decision after various people questioned the decision.
Responding to a question raised by government MP Ajith Rajapaksa, he said it was not a political decision to do away with mandatory face mask wearing for people except in public transport and indoors and that the decision was taken by the Expert Committee on Covid-19 control which comprised of professionals such as Prof. Neelika Malawige.
The Minister said the decision was taken considering the covid spread, new covid patients and the number of deaths reported due to Covid-19 at present.
“The Committee had taken the decision on April 3 and they had instructed to implement the decision after the New Year. So, announced it on April 19 where I assumed duties as the Minister. Some people had thought that I had taken the decision. It is not a political decision,” he said.
The Minister said the decision to relax wearing face masks was questioned in social media and by some people and as a result he instructed the Health DG to review the decision and inform him of the decision.
“People could still wear face masks if they wish,” he said.(Daily Mirror)