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Pros of expediting vaccination process outweigh cons – AMS
A long queue near a vaccination centre
Long queues near inoculation centres:
By Rathindra Kuruwita
As long as the queues at COVID-19 vaccination centres are outdoors and people wear masks, the risk of viral transmission is minimal, Association of Medical Specialists (AMS) President Dr. Lakkumar Fernando says.
He made this statement when he was asked whether the long queues at vaccination centres would boost the tranmission of the virus.
“Theoretically, there is a possibility. You have to look at the pros and cons. I think it makes sense to inoculate as many people as possible,” he said.
Dr. Fernando said that he too had seen long queues near Diyatha Uyana and other vaccination locations. However, given that the people were gathered outside, in an open area and that they were wearing masks, the chance of infection is low.
“However, if these queues are inside, this is bad. We should not allow people to gather in enclosed areas,” he said.
Ventilation in buildings is as important as washing hands and other measures in preventing the spread of COVID-19, Dr. Fernando added.
Dr. Fernando said that earlier medical specialists believed that wearing masks, maintaining physical distance and washing hands were the way to curb spread of the virus.
“Virus load plays a part in the transmission of the virus. Thus, the chance of infection is less if there is a way of diluting the virus, killing it or dispersing it,” he said. Even if people wear masks and gather inside an enclosed space for a longer period they still can get infected as the duration of exposure also matters.
The Ambassador of Indonesia to Sri LankaDewi Gustina Tobing, met Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Parliament of Sri Lanka to discuss strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in trade, tourism, technology, and education, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to fostering diplomatic and economic ties for mutual benefit.
A key area of focus was expanding tourism exchanges, including religious tourism, which holds significant potential for growth.
The two delegations also explored opportunities in trade, particularly the importation of palm oil and the introduction of organic liquid fertilizers to support Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector.
Collaboration in the IT industry was highlighted as another promising area of partnership, alongside discussions on integrating electric vehicles into Sri Lanka’s public transport system.
The Sri Lankan delegation, led by Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mrs. Sagarika Boghawatta, included officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Indonesian delegation was represented by Deputy Ambassador . Fiki Oktanioand Minister Counsellor Mrs. Lailal K. Yuniarti.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
The Matara Magistrate’s Court today [20], ordered that former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Deshabandu Tennakoon be further remanded until April 03..
The Election Commission of Sri Lanka has announced that the upcoming Local Authorities Poll will be held on Tuesday 06th May 2025
The acceptance of nominations for the poll concluded at 12.00 noon today (20).
Ambassador of Indonesia to Sri Lanka calls on PM
Former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon further remanded until April 03.
Local Authorities poll on 6th May
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