Impose strict quarantine rules to prevent disaster: GMOA

Though authorities are not imposing an Islandwide lockdown, it is extremely essential to enforce strict quarantine regulations to control the current COVID-19 pandemic and to prevent it from going out of control, the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) said.

While addressing the media, GMOA Executive Member Dr. Prasad Colombage said specific details of high-risk areas should be shared with the public.

It would be possible to keep the virus spread under control if people leave their houses only for essential needs.

"There is a slight increase in virus spread in the country at present," he said.

"Although the virus doesn't have rapid growth, the situation cannot be underestimated. It is important to track the infected. As we have said before, the danger zones should be mapped and people should be informed about it. If the people are properly informed of the risk, they will pay attention to it," Dr. Colombage added.

"This is the responsibility of the Epidemiology Unit. The Intensive Care Units (ICUs) are kept on standby and separated because we cannot mix the COVID patients with others. Though the ICU capacity has not reached the maximum extent, we should take steps to increase the number of beds," he added. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)