By Rathindra Kuruwita 

A rapid spread of Covid-19 was a possibility even while the country was under a lockdown, Consultant Clinical Microbiologist, Dr. Mahen Kothalawala  told The Island yesterday.

 Police stations, Army barracks and camps, garment factories, some banks and government offices and hospitals continued to function during lockdowns, Dr. Kothalawala said, adding that those were sites where the next big outbreak could take place.

 “More than a lockdown, what we need to do is to categorise people and make them follow specific guidelines. For example we have to identify elderly people and those with underlying medical conditions; they must not leave home. Those working at possible Covid-19 hotspots must wear masks and follow all other health guidelines at home.

Dr. Kothalawala said that comorbidity and the virus load would be the main reasons for getting infected and having complications. If people wear masks even at home the virus load delivered will be low. Dr. Kothalawala added that all those who could work from home too must be encouraged to do so.

 “People who work in hotspots must wear good quality masks. Health professionals use the N95 masks that provide protection against droplets. If we can produce good reusable masks similar to the N 95 for about Rs. 40 that would seal the nose and the mouth and are comfortable to wear and make people wear them, it would be better than a lockdown,” he said.

Dr. Kothalawala said that a hotline should be established to help people get PCRs and other medical advice. PCR testing should be done at targeted areas given capacity issues, he added.

 “Unfortunately, people are relying solely on the vaccine. Don’t get me wrong, the vaccine is very important but it is a long term solution. We need to give the jab to about 14 million people and as it is we can only administer about 50,000 doses per week. At that rate it will take around nine months to complete the vaccination drive.”