Fri, 29 Mar 2024 Today's Paper

COVID-19 virus now airborne in Sri Lanka

23 April 2021 01:51 pm - 18     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

The COVID-19 virus has become airborne in Sri Lanka, just like in several other countries, sources within the Health Ministry told Daily Mirror, which is why the country may be witnessing a rapid spread in infections.

A senior Ministry source said the virus could be airborne from patients, especially when ventilation is poor.

This comes at a time when the latest report released by 'The Lancet', the highest medical journal in the world, has said that the global public health community should act accordingly and without further delay as there is consistent, strong evidence that SARS-Cov-2 spreads by airborne transmission.

"Although other routes can contribute, we believe that the airborne route is likely to be dominant. The public health community should act accordingly and without further delay," the Lancet report said.

Medical offcials here said that all this while there was evidence that the virus was spreading through droplets and close contact but now with Lancet's revelation that it was airborne, countries including Sri Lanka will have to impose tighter guidelines to prevent a rapid spread. Health guidelines, including wearing two masks each, will need to be strictly implemented while other guidelines such as washing hands and maintaining social distance will have to be followed by all.

Medical experts locally are continuing to study the existing trend and how fast the virus is spreading and the mutated versions which are presently in the country.

Sri Jayewardenepura University's Immunology and Molecular Medicine Department Director Dr. Chandima Jeewandara told the media on Thursday his team was conducting researches to ascertain the present variant of the COVID-19 following the festive season, and researchers have observed a severe change in COVID-19 symptoms and a fair number of ICU admissions among young patients.

Army Commander General Shavendra Silva has already urged the public to avoid gatherings and stay at home this coming weekend due to the sudden spike in cases. (JAMILA HUSAIN)

 


Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

  Comments - 18

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka
  • jdljsds Friday, 23 April 2021 02:52 PM

    It was always airborne. Everywhere. Sigh.

    Asanka Friday, 23 April 2021 04:24 PM

    You are right. Now they listen, they never listened to the experts about allowing to bury Covid 19 victims. That was all about dirty politics: using minorities as a scapegoat.

    Murshid Idroos Friday, 23 April 2021 03:34 PM

    With the now on Holy month of ramazan there is a likely spike mysteriously to keep check on the minorities right to engage in the observance of the holy month All the bala senas would shout loudly if the muslims are relaxed of the restrictions

    xaber Friday, 23 April 2021 04:31 PM

    This has nothing to do with ramazan. It's a direct result of our people celebrating Avurudu in style by going on shopping sprees.

    Dr. Nalaka Friday, 23 April 2021 04:53 PM

    stop making everything a racial/religious issue. Do you want kids in your community, your family to die? Observe the health guidelines and stop talking rubbish.

    Adam Speak Friday, 23 April 2021 04:02 PM

    Airborne means one is not safe anywhere. Open or close. What is this whete is WHO

    RoaringCreek Friday, 23 April 2021 04:10 PM

    Just a coverup for mishandling of this pandemic. This virus is airborne and that is why we wear a mask. Nothing new. This shows the professionalism of Sri Lanka medical fraternity.

    mp Friday, 23 April 2021 04:41 PM

    When you say 'could be' it is not definite. So how can you confirm it?

    Ranaweera Friday, 23 April 2021 04:42 PM

    Now the politicians and VVIPs will have to wear a mask in order not to get infected.

    Sam Silva Friday, 23 April 2021 04:53 PM

    In our country it was always due to the cluster.

    Ramesh Friday, 23 April 2021 04:56 PM

    The big hype in this story looks like it's to divert the attention of people from the issue with port city and other problems. The government can use this to prevent the gathering of people who come together to protest any issues.

    TJ Friday, 23 April 2021 05:03 PM

    It was airborne right from the inception. Unfortunately, the experts came to know only now.

    ruwan Friday, 23 April 2021 05:10 PM

    lot of medical experts here.. MHO should visit here to make guidelines. air borne and droplets transmissions are two things. in former virus can survive in air longer so transmission is fast and effective. in droplets, as they are large in size they dry up in few meters in the air.

    Lanka Friday, 23 April 2021 05:47 PM

    All these are munupulated situations to gain either cover up and or to divert attention. Anyways it's been almost 14 to 15 months living with COVID so going back to hibernation is not difficult. Sad to note that our lives will now depend on more chinese loans!!!

    Eichmann Bernhard (Germany) Friday, 23 April 2021 05:57 PM

    Is breathing now forbidden??????

    MSJ Friday, 23 April 2021 06:02 PM

    This has nothing to do with Ramadan or any religion. This is a Pandemic. Take precautions for the sake of your health and your family. -'Trust in God, but tie your camel'

    Naanthan Friday, 23 April 2021 06:34 PM

    Air travel can’t restart any time soon

    Sujman Friday, 23 April 2021 09:51 PM

    Why are our people always jumping to religious grounds... This is what the political buffaloes waiting for people to do... Just take extra precautions and limit all activity which is not critical


Add comment

Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Reply To:

Name - Reply Comment





Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

VAT increase: SOUNDs death knell for publishers, readers

Though the Government imposed VAT (Value Added Tax) on vegetables and other e

How female change-makers are driving Sri Lanka’s energy saving platform

Saving energy has become more of a responsibility than a habit in today’s c

A dull Ramadan awaits Muslims amidst the Soaring Cost of Living

In the coming days, Muslims across the world will welcome the Holy Month of R

New wildlife underpass to curtail HEC

As of February 2024, Sri Lanka lost another 38 elephants as a result of the H