Colombo, August 6 (newsin.asia): Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has pointed out that a rash of protest rallies across the island recently has contributed to the spurt in the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
The intelligence agencies have found that the spurt giving rise of unprecedented congestion in the hospitals is due to the over 120 demonstrations across the country with over 1500 people participating in each of them, the President said on Friday.
People getting together in this manner without following health guidelines have led to the rapid spread of COVID-19, the agencies had told him. There has been an increase in the number of patients being treated at hospitals in several major cities including Colombo with COVID-19 symptoms.
The President emphasized that the patients should not be inconvenienced due to the congestion. He said that intermediate treatment centers have been set up in several major cities recently. The President pointed out the need to refer those who show symptoms first to the Intermediate Treatment Centers and then to the hospitals after monitoring the patient’s condition.
The President made these remarks at a meeting held with the Special Committee on Prevention of COVID 19 Outbreak on vaccination drive and its future plans, at the Presidential Secretariat today (06).
Many of the personnel who are involved in the operations to contain the COVID-19 virus spread take indigenous medicines daily and this has greatly contributed to enhance immunization, said Indigenous Medicine Promotion State Minister Sisira Jayakody. He stated that even if the vaccine is administered, taking indigenous medicines daily with steam inhalation will help minimize the risk of contracting the virus.
President Rajapaksa further stated that it is the responsibility of health professionals to constantly advise the public through the media to avoid contracting the virus.
It was also decided to provide facilities for anyone over the age of 30 to receive the first dose at any of the vaccination centers that administer the second dose. Vaccines have been ordered to provide both doses to all citizens over the age of 18 before September. The government is even prepared for a third dose.
Consultant Neurosurgeon Dr. Prasanna Gunasena said it is disappointing to note the lack of support from the public to prevent the spread of the virus.
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