Travel restrictions only solution to contain COVID: SLMA

• Sri Lanka  is almost in the fourth wave and the country would plunge into a catastrophic situation 

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

The imposition of travel restrictions will be the only solution to contain COVID-19 within a short term, the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) highlighted yesterday.   

“It should be noted that the virus spreads faster than our vaccination drive. Hence, we need to subtract this gap. As such, the only option is to impose travel restrictions in short term,” he stressed.  “The authorities must pay special attention to the current situation and take immediate steps to address the crisis,” Dr. Sumanatilleke added.  
Meanwhile, commenting on the increase in COVID deaths, he said that three people were dying from the virus every one hour, with regard to the 82 deaths that was reported on Wednesday (4).  “This is an alarming situation and it’s nothing, but the truth that the contribution of the contagious Delta variant has also led to the sharp rise in deaths and infections,” he added.  The SLMA Vice President proceeded to say that the capacity in wards in hospitals where COVID patients were treated, had reached their maximum capacity.