Senior Medical Specialists suspect Covid-19 community transmission begun

16 July 2020 09:44 am - 12 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

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.

“Banning public gatherings including political rallies, tuition classes,

review and readjust the time tables of school reopening and re-imposing restrictions for public transport etc. will be vital,” the organization stated.

It also stressed that the government should act fast without pretending that

there is no crisis and said if necessary the country should go for limited lockdowns.

Dr. Ranasinghe who said that it was wise to accept the present situation and prepare for the worse added that there is a feeling that the number of cases reported may not be all that dependable and reliable as quite a percentage of cases may have gone overlooked.

“We strongly feel that it would be quite prudent to assume as established community transmission even as low grade in order to minimise further spread and it's dreadful eventualities,” the AMS in its statement noted.

The specialists also cautioned about the limited healthcare facilities in the country to control the epidemic. “We should never ignore the fact that our existing healthcare capacity with its limitations will not be able to meet the national treatment requirements. It will be far worse when it comes to intensive care,”

It urged the government to enforce stern restriction to contain the spread of the COVID-19 Pandemic before it is too late.

“Expanding PCR testing of at risk groups and random community testing would be crucial. Active contact tracing and if nececssary even limited lock downs should also be implemented without any hesitation”.(Susitha Fernando)

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 - 12

Tissa Thursday, 16 July 2020 09:56 AM

But the authorities are not worried about this crisis.so what can people do

Sando Thursday, 16 July 2020 10:27 AM

Conspiracy to undermine the Government. President/Prime Minister have done a fantastic job thus far to contain this.

Roshanaly Thursday, 16 July 2020 10:31 AM

They will take all the precautions and control will be implemented after the election including total lockdown.

destroyer Thursday, 16 July 2020 11:48 AM

Dr. You are concerned about the virus transmission but govt. is concerned about the election and Dr.Anil says everything is under control and the people do not know their destiny. But the end result will be that no one is greater than cv19.

"TO YOU, YOUR WAY - AND TO ME MINE" Thursday, 16 July 2020 12:03 PM

OK Sando - you are entitled to your view. It brings to my mind Sura 109 of the Quran. Do not paint professionals with the same brush as one does for politicians.

Hubert Thursday, 16 July 2020 12:20 PM

Primitive decisionmakers are at the helm so everything will be a disaster

Sokrates Thursday, 16 July 2020 01:31 PM

@ Sando. You won't believe the expert opinion until you die of the conspiratorial Covid-19 virus.

Gamage Thursday, 16 July 2020 01:40 PM

The president only cares about the election.

Nishantha Dantanarayana Thursday, 16 July 2020 01:43 PM

This kind of rant we heard enough from some medical people in early March too. They predicted SL will the next Italy. These are just politically motivated intimidation strategies...

Ranjan Thursday, 16 July 2020 02:34 PM

use the services of epidemiologists instead of military personnel. We have top consultant specialists to handle the situation smoothly and effectively. This is quite serious. Government should concentrate on safety of the public not the election . Act sooner rather than later

Ralaharamy Thursday, 16 July 2020 06:30 PM

"Fools rush in where angels (wise people) fear to tread." Time and again this is proven. Dr. Ranasinghe in which group do you belong?

Bhatiya Siriwardena Friday, 17 July 2020 08:07 AM

But Dear Doctor, PM, DGH, DIG and the Commander say not serious!

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.

Senior Medical Specialists suspect Covid-19 community transmission begun

Comments - 12

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

Uma Oya Development Project inaugurated

Sri Lankan among NASA’s new crew for next simulated Mars journey

Racing event tragedy leaves seven dead including eight-year-old child

Gota fires back at Cardinal, rebuts allegations

Two racing drivers arrested over Fox Hill tragedy

SL on alert on possible genocide allegations by Canada

MIRROR CRICKET

Sahan Arachchige to lead Sri Lanka ‘A’

Is Chamari Athapaththu Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketer ever?

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Sri Lanka to establish new energy sector regulator

Cabinet nod to transfer China-built Mattala airport’s management to Indian, Russian joint venture

Sajith never attends dinners hosted by Ranil Wickremesinghe

One soldier dead, nine injured in road crash

Sahan Arachchige to lead Sri Lanka ‘A’

Dates confirmed for 78th Bradby Shield

SLAS appoints independent committee for investigation

Pakistan lose key players for last two T20Is against New Zealand