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No community spread yet, says Epidemiology Chief

15 January 2021 04:01 pm - 18     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sri Lanka has not yet reached the community transmission level though COVID-19 cases reported from different parts of the country, Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera said today.

Addressing the media, he said some tried to stress the point that the country has already crossed the community transmission line and thus it has gone out of bounds.

 “Until the recent past, the positive cases were confined to the Western Province, however, it can now be seen cases being reported from other parts of the regions as well," he said.

“If positive cases are reported without its origin, it could then be identified as a community transmission. In other words, community transmission takes place when cases are reported with no links to the existing cluster. As of now, Sri Lanka has not reached a level of community spread,” Epidemiology Chief underlined. 

Therefore, he reiterated that though cases are being reported from different parts of the country, it doesn't mean that it has gone to community transmission. 

Meanwhile, Dr. Samaraweera said though there is a slight decrease in the number of cases being reported daily, it does not mean the virus spread is fully contained.

“Therefore, it is absolutely crucial to follow the health guidelines and restrict unnecessary journeys” stressed.

Moreover, he said a sum of Rs.60 million is spent daily to conduct PCR tests in the country - both in private and public sectors.

“In this endeavour, the cooperation of the general public is of huge importance, because we have witnessed a few incidents where people have attempted to dodge PCR testing," Dr. Samaraweera added. (Sheain Fernandopulle)


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  Comments - 18

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  • Michael Ranasinghe Friday, 15 January 2021 04:27 PM

    Sir you are the expert but can I ask a stupid question ? You test only 0.4 % of the population maximum on a daily basis and approximately 10% test positive from around 20 districts at least. So if you increase testing to 1% then you know the outcome don't you ?

    Third world never understands Maths or Science Friday, 15 January 2021 04:28 PM

    Only Mathematicians can truly say after complicated data analysis whether we have reached community transmission or not. But we are Sri Lanka and we have NO Mathematicians. Our experts are all “ doctors” with MBBS, MD, FRCS,......but no one in Science or Mathematics.

    ARZ Friday, 15 January 2021 04:33 PM

    Results of PCR tests done on Monday in the Angoda area are still not released. So how has he come to the conclusion of no community spread without carrying tests and giving out the results.

    Fuller Friday, 15 January 2021 04:34 PM

    no community spread huh

    Sokrates Friday, 15 January 2021 05:21 PM

    In what world you are living? I think in Gota World.

    varuna Friday, 15 January 2021 05:33 PM

    Do not worry. Even if the 21.8 million people in Sri Lanka get infected with the COVID-19 virus, still there will be no community spread.

    Noname Friday, 15 January 2021 05:52 PM

    please don't display your ignorance.

    Idiot boy Friday, 15 January 2021 06:06 PM

    Daily we meet you, Pavithra Wanniarachchi and sudarshani fernandopulle in media. All are Tongue Twisters.

    Mark Anandappa Friday, 15 January 2021 06:06 PM

    Check this man's credentials . Insane

    Nadi Karunaratne Friday, 15 January 2021 06:32 PM

    I don't think this chap knows the meaning of the term community spread. When a disease has spread widely within the community, that is what we call 'community spread'.

    Mahesh Friday, 15 January 2021 06:46 PM

    May be it is high time to seek a Psychiatrists either by us or him...

    Anne Karunaratne Friday, 15 January 2021 06:56 PM

    Seriously????? No community spread, yet???????

    brainmaster Friday, 15 January 2021 07:43 PM

    absolutly ridiculous, stop taking us for stupide

    Saf Friday, 15 January 2021 09:56 PM

    For open airport ?

    John Friday, 15 January 2021 10:17 PM

    He is in Gota world.

    Kadiya Saturday, 16 January 2021 06:22 AM

    Wait until Udayanga's Ukrainians start spreading themselves all over Sri Lanka!!!

    Sgt Nalla Thambia Saturday, 16 January 2021 05:18 PM

    Modaya

    Gullaasa Saturday, 16 January 2021 09:45 PM

    A grade Joker in Sri Lanka


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