Senior Medical Specialists suspect Covid-19 community transmission begun

• Urge Govt. to ban political rallies and go for limited lockdowns if necessary
• Warns SL could be another Brazil or India if COVID-19 spread is ignored

By Susitha Fernando   

Senior Medical Specialists yesterday warned that if the current spread of COVID-19 is ignored Sri Lankan could end up becoming another Brazil or India. President of the Association of Medical Specialists (AMS) Dr.L.A.Ranasinghe, Senior Consultant surgeon told Daily Mirror that they suspect there is an imminent or established community transmission of COVID-19 in Sri Lanka.    

The senior consultant said that according to the way that cases are being reported from July 14, the situation appears to be pretty serious.   

Senior Consultant Dr. Ranasinghe explained that there are scatters of infections. “Some people label this as cluster infections. These infected individuals may have been infecting their associates and friends,” he said.   

The Association of Medical Specialists, an independent body with over 1300 senior specialists serving in the government sector, cautioned that to stop the present spread of the pandemic all public gatherings including political rallies should be banned. 

• Gatherings including political rallies should be banned
• re-imposition of restrictions on public transport etc. will be vital