Marked decline in COVID cases and hospitalisations: Health officials

• The recent travel restrictions, and preventive measures had contributed to the drop
• The number of daily COVID cases which was around 2,500 reduced to 1,986 on Saturday 18

By Sheain Fernandopulle

There is a sharp decrease of COVID-19 cases being reported daily and also the number of hospitalisations have notably reduced, Health officials pointed out yesterday. According to Senior Consultant Physician at the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH), Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama, the recent travel restrictions, and preventive measures had contributed to the drop. “It is imperative to maintain the momentum in the future too,” he said. 

Dr.Wijewickrama also stressed the importance of obtaining immunization in order to reduce the number of deaths, without being carried away by false reports on vaccination.

The number of daily COVID cases which was around 2,500 reduced to 1,986 on Saturday (18). It is after 50 days that the number of cases was reported below 2,000.

The number of COVID deaths are also on the decline at present, which became evident with the number of deaths reported on Saturday which was 84.

Meanwhile, Prof. Neelika Malavige from the Department of Immunology and Molecular Sciences of the Sri Jayawardenapura University said there is no specific difference between the COVID-19 variant in Sri Lanka and other countries as of now.

The vaccines are expected to provide immunity from all future Covid variants she underlined.
The experts expressed these views at a special live TV programme organised by the Media Ministry.

• The vaccines are expected to provide immunity from all future Covid variants