Western Province office mask circular: Health Ministry hits back

June 4, 2025 at 5:00 PM

The Secretary to the Ministry of Health has clarified that there is no requirement at present to issue a general directive for wearing face masks within office premises. 

The clarification comes in response to a circular issued by the Western Provincial Council urging heads of institutions to encourage mask usage amid rising respiratory illnesses such as influenza and COVID-19 variants.

Dr. Anil Jasinghe, in a letter to the Western Province Chief Secretary, emphasised that such recommendations should be based on official guidance from the Health Ministry, noting that unnecessary directives could cause public fear and disrupt daily activities. (Newswire)