The Western Province Chief Secretary has officially withdrawn a circular issued earlier this week advising government offices to encourage the use of face masks among staff.

Issuing a statement, the Chief Secretary clarified that the circular was initially intended only for internal use within the Western Provincial Council premises, in response to a general increase in respiratory illnesses such as influenza.

However, the letter drew wider public attention and concern, with many interpreting it as a sign of a new COVID-19 outbreak. 

The Chief Secretary stated that this misinterpretation had led to unnecessary alarm and therefore, the circular has been withdrawn to avoid confusion.

Earlier today, the Ministry of Health also clarified that there is no nationwide requirement for a general mask mandate in office environments, noting that such directives should be based on official ministry guidance to avoid misinformation and panic. (Newswire)

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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)

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