Sharp spike in COVID cases, deaths toll could rise in coming weeks: PHI Head

No matter what could be done in the next two weeks, the number of COVID positive cases and COVID-related deaths will rise sharply, Public Health Inspectors' (PHI) Union President Upul Rohana said.

He said the increase in the number of patients, which is unbearable for the health sector, should be controlled immediately.

He stressed that all types of gatherings, including protests, should be suspended while minimising the economic damage.

Rohana further said that while imposing restrictions on gatherings and protests, it is essential to restrict inter-district and inter-provincial movement. Unnecessary recruitment of employees to institutions should be stopped forthwith.

If we are unable to control the alarming rise in patients, it would lead to a highly calamitous position, he said.

"Every moment we delay the action, will result in sacrificing a few lives.  There is no fear or awareness among the people as the infections and deaths reported at the grassroots level do not reach the people properly, he said.

Therefore, accurate information about the number of infections and deaths in a  day should be announced to the people and make them understand the gravity of the underlying danger, Mr. Rohana added. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)