Following the recent rising trend in Covid-19 detections, The Morning spoke to the State Minister of Primary Health Services, Pandemics and COVID Prevention, Dr. Sudarshani Fernandopulle to understand her insight on the current situation. Dr. Fernandopulle revealed that the rising numbers of Covid-19 patients seen over the past week could be related to the recently concluded festive season. While Dr. Fernandopulle stated that this festive season was a good release for people as they had to deal with lockdowns last year and could not celebrate, she expressed that the public did not mindfully do so. “The public released their pressure without being mindful of the health guidelines and as a result, we are now seeing an increase in cases,” she said. She also expressed her concerns with regard to mutations of the virus as certain mutations have already been observed in Sri Lanka. According to Dr. Fernandopulle, it is still not known if these mutations were imported or if these mutations took place locally. She also stated that these mutations could be the reason why Sri Lankan clinicians have observed an increase in younger Covid-19 patients requiring treatment at Intensive Care Units (ICU). Commenting on what is being done by the government at this stage, Dr. Fernandopulle said that community screening will be increased and PCR tests will be conducted to identify positive patients. She also said that awareness must be re-created among the public, urging them to follow the health guidelines. Sri Lanka Police will also be utilised to enforce and ensure that these guidelines are being followed by the public. With regard to the potential of another lockdown, Dr. Fernandopulle stated that it remains to be seen and depends entirely on a rapid rise in detections.