Extend the lockdown for 10 more days: Medical professionals

COLOMBO (News 1st) : Most specialists are requesting the Government to extend the lockdown by at least 10 more days given the current COVID-19 situation, former Chief of Epidemiology Unit, Specialist Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe says.

He mentions that vaccination is not the only solution to control this pandemic, and the reason for a higher number in deaths is due to the Government being hastened to vaccinate a large number of persons instead of vaccination the 0ver 60 population immediately.

"As a public servant who has served the Government for 21 years, I request that it be extended for at least another 10 days. Not only me but all the specialists are of this opinion, " Dr. Abeysinghe says.

Meanwhile, Specialist Dr. Manilka Sumanathilaka, Vice President of the Sri Lanka Medical Association also added her sentiments on the growing death rate in the country.

"We are currently losing the battle between this vaccine and the virus."

"Now there is a high demand for Oxygen with over 30% of COVID-19 patients requiring oxygen.

"If the case rate continues like this, we might have to add a new ward to the National Hospital every few days.

"If that limit is exceeded we will face a big crisis. It is our hope that the case and death rates will be reduced to some extent by these travel restrictions.

"We will face a bigger crisis if variant that cannot be suppressed by these vaccines emerges from Sri Lanka, " she added.