24 February 2021 07:52 pm
While saying it is too early to comment on the slight decrease in COVID-19 cases in the country at present, Deputy Director-General of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath said the major clusters in the country are on the declining stage.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror, he said there are many reasons that could be attributed to the slight decrease in cases.
“One, when there are no major specific sub-clusters, there could be a reduction in overall cases. Also, when there are more cases reported at a given date or time, the additional number of cases would be reported in two weeks time,” Dr. Herath underlined.
“These type of fluctuations are quite obvious. This could happen epidemiologically too. However, it is too early to say whether it is an actual situation,” he said.
Dr. Herath stressed that the slight decrease was not due to any under-reporting.
“We try our best to make sure that we don’t get an exponential increase in cases. For that, it is essential for the people to follow health guidelines,” he added.
When asked whether they have reduced the number of PCR tests per day, Dr. Herath said the number of PCR tests had to be reduced because only a lesser number of contacts was tested. (Sheain Fernandopulle)