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Extend restrictions beyond 7 June: Medical specialists

01 Jun 2021

By Dinitha Rathnayake   The Association of Medical Specialists (AMS) has called for the strict travel restrictions currently imposed islandwide till 7 June in order to control the spread of Covid-19 to be extended beyond that date, despite the possible adverse impact it may have on the country’s economy. The  AMS noted that the current strict measures need to be continued till the spread of the disease is brought down to a reasonable and controllable level, adding that individuals, as well as businesses, therefore, must endure any hardships they may have to face in the short term. "After foreseeing an impending disaster, a number of health sector professional bodies and many health sector experts appealed in unison to the Government to impose strict travel and other restrictions to control the rapid spread of Covid-19. We appreciate the stricter measures adopted currently and the commitment to implement these in an effective manner in order to mitigate the effects of the pandemic on all citizens.“ AMS President Dr. Lakkumar Fernando also added that whatever the hardships we face as individuals or business institutions, one must not forget that lives are much more important than livelihoods when the country is facing a deadly pandemic. “We believe that the current strict measures need to be continued till the disease spread comes down to a reasonable and controllable level. We appeal to all Sri Lankans to understand these facts and to adhere to travel and other restrictions fully, despite all hardships they may have to face in the short term.” The AMS also urged all stakeholders to engage in a constructive and critical dialogue with the relevant authorities in a sincere manner so as to achieve the goal of bringing the pandemic under control. Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) had a discussion yesterday (31 May) in relation to extending the travel restrictions and their final decision is to be declared soon. Attempts to contact the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) in this regard, proved futile.


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