Global trends indicate possible spike in infections – Prof. CJ

By Rathindra Kuruwita

The global trends indicated that there might be a fresh spike in COVID-19 cases and Sri Lankans had to be extremely careful in the coming days and weeks, State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals, Prof. Channa Jayasumana told the media yesterday.

Prof. Jayasumana added that over 600 cases had been reported on Friday and that this is the first time that daily cases exceeded 600 in 20 days.

“We must also be mindful of the fact that immunity boosted by vaccines decreases. A recent survey in the US showed that there was a dramatic decline in efficacy of Pfizer, Moderna, J and J vaccines in six months. The study showed that Pfizer which had an 86.9% effectiveness in March 2021 had only 43% efficiency in September. By September, vaccine effectiveness had declined to 13.1% for J&Jand 58.0% for Moderna,”

Prof. Jayasumana said it was not a good sign, especially because Sri Lanka had administered a significant number of Pfizer and Moderna doses. The way ahead, as prescribed by Americans, was to give booster shots, wear masks and continue social distancing, he said.

“We urge the people to be careful because it might get bad in December,” he said.

Director General of Health Services, Dr. Asela Gunawardena said that in recent days the number of new cases had been increasing. There were many events where people gathered indoors across the country, he added.