There is a risk of a crisis in the country if steps are not taken to control the spread of the Covid-19 virus under a new methodology, said the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA).
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Dr. Haritha Aluthge[/caption]
Speaking to the media, GMOA Secretary Dr. Haritha Aluthge said Sri Lanka is now on the verge of community spread.
“Nearly 300 new cases were identified yesterday (25), and the majority among them have been identified from general society.
“If Sri Lanka reaches the level of community spread, there will be congestion in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). In turn, the death toll will increase abnormally.
“If we continue with the current measures, we are heading towards a very dangerous point.
“If we, as a country, do not take the correct decision today, we can expect an abnormal increase in the death count within the next two months,” he said.
While five high-risk districts – Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kegalle, and Kurunegala – have been identified, a dangerous situation is emerging in several other districts, he said.
Dr. Aluthge stated that they propose restrictions on district boundaries in the aforementioned five districts in order to control such a situation.
“We have also proposed this to the Presidential Task Force. Delays in making these decisions will have dire consequences for the country.”
Meanwhile, National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) Head Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama said that there is an increased risk of complications if the current Covid-19 situation is not brought under control.
He said: “I think we need to take a stricter position on this. We saw how this disease spreads even with travel restrictions. Once this spreads over a certain point, it becomes difficult to control. That is the current situation in America.”
Speaking further, Dr. Wijewickrama said that older persons, as well as those with conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, have an increased risk of developing complications from the virus.
“This month, we have about 22 people over the age of 70 admitted to our hospital alone. If this number continues to rise, there is an increased risk of complications, ICU admissions, and deaths.”
Dr. Haritha Aluthge[/caption]
Speaking to the media, GMOA Secretary Dr. Haritha Aluthge said Sri Lanka is now on the verge of community spread.
“Nearly 300 new cases were identified yesterday (25), and the majority among them have been identified from general society.
“If Sri Lanka reaches the level of community spread, there will be congestion in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). In turn, the death toll will increase abnormally.
“If we continue with the current measures, we are heading towards a very dangerous point.
“If we, as a country, do not take the correct decision today, we can expect an abnormal increase in the death count within the next two months,” he said.
While five high-risk districts – Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kegalle, and Kurunegala – have been identified, a dangerous situation is emerging in several other districts, he said.
Dr. Aluthge stated that they propose restrictions on district boundaries in the aforementioned five districts in order to control such a situation.
“We have also proposed this to the Presidential Task Force. Delays in making these decisions will have dire consequences for the country.”
Meanwhile, National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) Head Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama said that there is an increased risk of complications if the current Covid-19 situation is not brought under control.
He said: “I think we need to take a stricter position on this. We saw how this disease spreads even with travel restrictions. Once this spreads over a certain point, it becomes difficult to control. That is the current situation in America.”
Speaking further, Dr. Wijewickrama said that older persons, as well as those with conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, have an increased risk of developing complications from the virus.
“This month, we have about 22 people over the age of 70 admitted to our hospital alone. If this number continues to rise, there is an increased risk of complications, ICU admissions, and deaths.”