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PHIs warn SL’s COVID-19 situation heading towards disaster like India

Rise in infections expected in May

20 April 2021 02:06 am - 8     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Public Health Inspectors Union yesterday warned that if PCR and random antigen testing is not increased to at least 10,000 a day, Sri Lanka's COVID-19 situation may lead to a disaster similar to what India is facing now.

PHI Union Secretary Mahesh Balasuriya told the Daily Mirror that health guidelines had been ignored during the past weeks leading to the New Year festivities and since border restrictions were not imposed in the vulnerable districts, they could expect its repercussions within the next 14 days.

He said presently an estimated 5000 PCR/Antigen tests were being conducted islandwide, but that needed to be urgently increased to at least 10,000 per day. He said some of the vulnerable districts were Kurunegala, Puttalam, Gampaha, Colombo, Trincomalee and Jaffna as a larger number of patients had been detected from these areas in recent weeks.

"From May 1 we feel if more PCR and antigen tests are conducted, there will be a larger number of patients that will be reported. If we do not take precautions and conduct tests, then what is happening in India will also happen here," Balasuriya said.

The Secretary further urged people to practice all health guidelines including wearing of face masks and maintaining social distance, stating that the COVID-19 was far from over.

"Presently some other topics have taken center stage. But we remind people the virus is far from over and all precautions need to be taken to avoid any disaster," he said. (JAMILA HUSAIN)


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  Comments - 8

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  • Anura Nanayakkara Tuesday, 20 April 2021 07:54 AM

    Are these people qualified enough to talk about this pandemic situation affecting all the countries in the world.!!

    Kandyan Tuesday, 20 April 2021 11:03 AM

    They are the once who works on field and knows better...

    Dee Tuesday, 20 April 2021 08:25 AM

    Don't even think about 10000 tests per day. What are you trying to do? To show colours by finding 7-800 positive per day from the community? We are the people who are controlling covid19 the best way!

    Sammy Tuesday, 20 April 2021 10:51 AM

    Warning is okay but don't compare Sri Lanka to India. The population

    FF Tuesday, 20 April 2021 11:17 AM

    PHI UNION IS PERFECTLY RIGHT. GOVT IS EXHAUSTED AND HAS LOST INTEREST. THERE ARE NO VACCINES EVEN A FIRST DOSE TO MORE THAN 90% OF THE POPULATION. BUT THEY BOAST THAT THE SITUATION IS WELL MANAGED AND CONTROLLED. GOVT IS BUSY WITH THE PORT CITY AND IS NOT BOTHERED ABOUT THE WELFARE OF THE PEOPLE. GOVT SHOULD ALLOW PRIVATE SECTOR TO CARRY ON THE VACCINES

    Shelly Tuesday, 20 April 2021 11:52 AM

    Like the Bond Scam, Sugar Scam,Oil Scam and now the Covid Scam , private Hospitals get ready to give the PCR, ANTIGEN and Vaccine.

    Chris Tuesday, 20 April 2021 12:23 PM

    Government is totally distracted with Port City, Geneva resolution and Easter bomb attack reports. They have thoroughly messed up the covid and vaccines. Being an island it is a shame we cannot contain it like Australia and NZ have done.

    Rani Tuesday, 20 April 2021 02:17 PM

    Far too early to open the country for tourist without quarantine. Sri Lanka has less cases because they don't test. If you don't test you don't know it is there.


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