DDGHS: Only 100,000 Lankans have taken fourth jab

By Sujeewa Thathsara and Pradeep Prasanna Samarakoon

Only 100,000 people had taken the fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, Deputy Director-General of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath told journalists in Colombo.Dr. Herath said that more people had to be vaccinated to ensure that COVID would not spiral out of control.

“A person who has taken the first jab must follow instructions and get the other three jabs. Most people have taken the first two jabs, but the interest in taking the boosters have been low,” he said.

People should remain vigilant and follow health guidelines because number of religious events are being held now, he said.Dr. Herath warned COVID-19 cases could surge again if people continued to violate health guidelines.

He added that even among young people under 30, there was a small minority with chronic diseases or non-communicable diseases. They were at risk of developing complications, he said.

“That is why we should try to limit the spread of COVID. People now know a lot about the virus; how it spreads and what needs to be done to minimize its spreads. The first thing is to follow health guidelines, the second is to get vaccinated and the third is to self-isolate if you get the virus. If these three are done, there won’t be a great rise in hospitalizations. As long as the health sector can handle the caseload, we will be fine,” he said.

Sri Lankans were taking less precautions about COVID in general, although the government had brought back mask mandates, he said.

“The numbers may be lower compared to 2021, but it does not mean that the threat is gone,” he said.

Dr. Herath also warned people to follow health guidelines like mask wearing, washing hands and maintaining social distance in everyday life.