News
New system of categorising and treating COVID-19 cases in the Western Province
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.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met with the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Dr. Kristalina Georgieva, at Temple Tress on the 17th of February
Dr. Georgieva, commended the Government’s efforts in stabilizing the country’s economy and in managing recent economic and natural shocks. She noted that Cyclone Ditwah had caused severe impacts, especially on economically vulnerable communities, underscoring the importance of targeted support and resilience-building measures.
The Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the IMF’s continued support to Sri Lanka, particularly in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. The PM further emphasized that real economic recovery and development must directly benefit the economically vulnerable groups and ensure inclusive growth, highlighting the need for Sri Lanka to attract quality and sustainable investments, particularly in the tourism sector.
The importance of reforming the education system to focus not only on knowledge acquisition but also on skills development and employability was also discussed
The meeting was attended by the Chief of Staff of the IMF Managing Director Andreas Bauer, Director, Asia and Pacific Department, Dr. Krishna Srinivasan Division Chief (Strategic Communications), Communications Department, Pierre Mejlak Resident Representative for Sri Lanka Dr. Martha Woldemichael, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, and Deputy Governor Dr. C. Amarasekara, Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri and Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution forwarded by the Minister of Health and Mass Media to relocate the Deniyaya Base Hospital after constructing a new hospital with a capacity of 300 beds at an estimated cost of Rupees 6,000 million.
The Southern Provincial Department of Health has acquired a plot of land in Handford estate which is approximately 03 kilometres away from the town for this purpose.
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