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4th wave has begun: SLMA 

21 Jul 2021

  • Warns of islandwide spread in 2-4 weeks 
  • Strict restrictions in May ineffective in reducing numbers 
  • Cite hospital data 
  • Only 8% fully vaccinated, 25% partially 
BY Pamodi Waravita The Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) yesterday (20) claimed that Sri Lanka’s ‘fourth wave’ of the Covid-19 pandemic has commenced. “Despite the strict travel restrictions which were imposed in the country in May, there was never a huge reduction of patients that was recorded. However, the data we are receiving now from hospitals has made us conclude that we are now at the beginning of the fourth wave. The National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL) records about 200 Covid-19 patients per day, about 100 of whom require oxygen (O2) supply support. We assume that there are approximately 10,000 infected patients in the country, based on estimates from the currently available data,” said SLMA President Dr. Padma Gunaratne. SLMA predicted that the highly contagious Indian Delta (B.1.617.2) variant, which has already been detected in five Districts in the Western, Northern and Southern Provinces, would spread within two to four weeks throughout the country. The Districts in question are Colombo, Jaffna and Kilinochchi, and Galle and Matara with the health authorities confirming 43 Delta infections as of 15 July. According to the SLMA, only 8% of the population have been completely inoculated (two doses) while approximately 25% of the population have received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine. Dr. Gunaratne noted that whilst the increasing vaccination rate is praiseworthy, the Delta variant is dangerous and more contagious than the other variants. “Currently, the Colombo area reports that 30% of its infections are from the Delta variant. If we act like normal life has resumed, the Delta variant will spread in two to four weeks within the entire country,” further warned Dr. Gunaratne. She cautioned that relying purely on vaccination without the necessary vigilance could prove to be a mistake. “If we are only placing our trust in vaccines and expecting normal life to resume, that is a myth. The public must be extra cautious when frequenting enclosed spaces, especially weddings, religious places, attending religious and cultural events, cinemas, using public transport services, enjoying musical events in closed spaces, restaurants, and bars. The elderly and those suffering from chronic diseases are the most affected by the disease and as such must obtain the vaccine and be careful, even after getting the vaccination.” The SLMA also recommended that home treatment for asymptomatic patients should be introduced to retain hospital capacity for patients with severe symptoms and other chronic diseases. Attempts to contact the Health Ministry’s Communications Director Dr. Hemantha Herath, the National Operations Centre for the Prevention of the Covid-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) Task Force Head, General Shavendra Silva, and the Primary Health Care, Epidemics and Covid-19 Disease Control State Minister Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle regarding this, proved futile. A total of 1,487 new Covid-19 infections and 48 deaths due to the virus were reported on Monday (19).  


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