DDGHS splits hairs over the pandemic spread

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Deputy Director-General of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath yesterday insisted that there was still no community spread of COVID-19. He said that finding COVID-19 patients from the community and community spread were two different things.

However, there had been a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases reported daily, he added. Journalists said that health officers were now unable to determine how many patients had contracted COVID-19. “So, how can you say there is no community spread?” they asked.

Dr. Herath said that in recent times, health guidelines had been violated in a systematic manner. “People gathered in large numbers, and we are seeing the results of this. We must now act responsibly,” he said.

Over 150 people had died from COVID-19 daily from 11 to 17 August, the DDGHS said.

Dr. Hearth said that of the 170 deaths reported on August 17, 130 were of those over 65. “This is the general trend. Therefore, we are trying to vaccinate as many senior citizens as possible. There is even mobile clinics to inoculate them, and I urge senior citizens to get vaccinated as soon as possible,” he said.

Dr. Hearth added that 3,676 cases had been reported on 17 August and that was the highest number of COVID patients reported in Sri Lanka in a single day. Previous highest number of daily cases was 3,623, which was reported on 19 May.

“I would also like to announce that we have introduced a new system of categorising and treating COVID-19 cases in the Western Province from 19 August. If a patient has respiratory issues, that person can text: A (space) age (space) NIC no (space) address to 1904. If someone has fever, that person can text; B (space) age (space) NIC no (space) address to the same number. If you are COVID-19 positive but asymptomatic text; C (space) age (space) NIC no (space) address to 1904.” he said.

After the SMS is sent, health officials will contact the patient on 247 and either send them to treatment centres or advise them on how to medicate safely at home. A team of doctors will keep in touch with those who will be treated at home. Hotline ‘1390’ is reserved for such patients, Dr. Herath said.