Army Chief says to be prepared if patient numbers rise

No intention of going for a complete lockdown

28 April 2021 02:50 pm - 10 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Considering the current COVID-19 situation in the country, Army Commander General Shavendra Silva said today it was better for people to be prepared with a stock of essential items as more areas could come under a isolation if a higher number of patients were detected from particular areas in the coming days.

However, he said there is no intention of going for a complete lockdown except for isolated lock downs, if a higher number of patients were detected.

Silva said it was better to be prepared with a stock of essential goods that are required for several days but reiterated it all depended on the number of COVID-19 patients and associates identified in the coming days.

"We do not need to intimidate people or hide the situation. But It is important that we be prepared for any eventuality,” the Commander said.

Meanwhile, the General said that the Army was ready to set up more treatment centres for Covid patients if the number of patients increased.

"The President has instructed to take necessary steps to facilitate the treatment of all infected persons. Accordingly, we have informed the health sector that the Army was ready to provide at least 10,000 more beds to hospitals if required.

“No matter what challenges we face, no matter what waves we face, we are not a losing nation. We will rise as a nation,” he said.

Speaking on shortage of oxygen, the General said that he had personally asked the Director-General of Health Services every 12 hours for information on the oxygen requirement for patients in the country.

“Oxygen supply companies in Sri Lanka tell us that there are enough oxygen reserves at present,” he said.

The Commander also urged the public to pay attention only to the information issued by the official institutions of this country as some parties were attempting to spread false information on their personnel agendas.(Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)

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Comments - 10

RoaringCreek Wednesday, 28 April 2021 03:46 PM

This man is still in charge? Army can set up "treatment centres for Covid patients", so we do not need doctors and the heath service or are we going to an Army rule which can not be rules out. He has to be removed immediately and the operation handed over to the health authorities. This joke is going too far and the opposition needs to get into action.

Bernard Wednesday, 28 April 2021 03:51 PM

As if Sri Lanka is run by toddlers.

DA Wednesday, 28 April 2021 04:02 PM

We need to prepare for the worse, Our neighbour India is reporting 300,000 patients per day at the moment. It only took couple of days to get to that number. As we don't have good infrastructure, We need all the support we can get, Doctors, Nurses, ICU Beds, Ventilators, Oxygen, Ambulances, Pharmaceuticals, facilities that can be used as temporary hospitals.

Musthafa Mohamed Wednesday, 28 April 2021 04:08 PM

Another election drama

Sokrates Wednesday, 28 April 2021 04:17 PM

Great Idea. But what about the workers, they only get day salaries which is just enough to buy the food for the next day? You with your fat body can survive without food for at least 14 days. It is your crooked master´s responsibility to provide food for the poor people.

M Fernando Wednesday, 28 April 2021 04:21 PM

We should be stockpiling oxygen at this time and not be saying "we have enough for the present" That supply will run out soon if the behaviour of our people does not change and we will soon follow India's path

Dee Wednesday, 28 April 2021 04:28 PM

All our fault!

AB Thursday, 29 April 2021 06:31 AM

We too heading to worse,its good to identify large government buildings,near hospitals, which are usable as facility centres, to serve patients, otherwise they will die around hospitals,that should have to be avoided,oxygen supply has to double or more check by NOCPCO, people who are not adhere to health rules should punish without reprimanding

Sue li Thursday, 29 April 2021 10:24 AM

People should not depend on the government, we need to protect ourselves ,

Chaminda Unantenne Thursday, 29 April 2021 12:24 PM

You go boy Shavindra! You have a proven record. Get ready to treat them indianesians as they are helpless...

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Army Chief says to be prepared if patient numbers rise

No intention of going for a complete lockdown

Comments - 10

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