Public requested to assist in transportation of COVID-19 patients

COLOMBO (News 1st): The government has decided to obtain vehicles from the private sector for the transportation of COVID-19 patients, given the inadequacy of ambulances currently in service, State Ministry of Primary Health Care, Epidemics and COVID Disease Control said According to the State Ministry, the necessary provisions in this regard will be provided by the Provincial Councils. "We request anyone who is willing to provide transport facilities voluntarily, to come forward and assist in this regard," Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle, the State Minister of Primary Health Care, Epidemics and COVID Disease Control urged the general public. Furthermore, a mechanism is in place to rent out vehicles through provincial councils for this purpose and the State Minister requested the people who can assist to contact the Medical Officer of Health in the respective area. According to State Minister Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle, small COVID-19 clusters are being reported in areas where cases were not reported before. Most of these clusters are formed through transmission at weddings and other functions, she told News 1st. Thereby, State Minister Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle urged the people to assist the health authorities to contain the virus.