SLMA appeals for strict application of COVID-19 control measures to prevent resurgence of virus

COLOMBO (News 1st): Sri Lanka Medical Association has appealed the Government of Sri Lanka to strengthen the general public's behaviour towards the new normal post COVID-19, through the strict application of control measures. Further, the SLMA has requested to make it mandatory on the part of the general public to conform to the instructions by health professionals. "Key measures to contain COVID-19 were no longer being adequately applied and monitored at present, thereby increasing the vulnerability of the country to a resurgence of the virus," the SLMA said in a statement issued on Friday (July 10). While appreciating Sri Lanka's "Trace, Test, Treat" approach in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, the SLMA is of the view that the successful containment efforts were now being reversed. "Over relaxing of restriction for public gatherings, operation of uncontrolled public transport, the widespread opening of recreational activities and many other questionable manoeuvres have probably paved the way to change the mindset of the people to abandon the very necessary control measures," Sri Lanka Medical Association noted. Sri Lanka Medical Association noted, health habits such as maintaining social distances, frequent washing of hands, and wearing face masks are disappearing; thereby, increasing the risk of spread of the virus. According to the SLMA, the general public is largely abandoning the practice of these health measures, as a result of fast relaxation of control measures indicating that the risk of COVID 19 is no more. "This false notion is extremely harmful and it will be hard to revert to healthy behaviours in the case of a resurgence of cases," the Sri Lanka Medical Association emphasized. Sri Lanka recorded a sudden spike in COVID-19 cases on Friday (July 10) with 196 people at the Treatment & Rehabilitation Centre in Kandakadu testing positive for the virus. As of Friday (July 10), Sri Lanka has recorded a total of 2350 confirmed COVID-19 cases, since the outbreak began in March.