COVID-19 cases on the rise; officials warn

COLOMBO (News1st): Sri Lanka's COVID-19 cases are on the rise as people had failed to abide by health regulations, Dr S.M. Arnold, the deputy director-general of health services has said. "At least now, we urge the public to adhere to the health guidelines that have been imposed," Dr. Arnold said. However, the Sri Lanka Association of Medical Laboratory Technologists pointed out that it would be unfair to blame the people for the surge in COVID-19 infections. "We made it clear to the Health Ministry that reducing PCR tests will only give rise to a third wave in the country," Ravi Kumudesh, the chairman of the association said. He pointed out that the government had opened the country's doors for tourists including from Ukraine while foreign nations were grappling with the outbreak of the virus. "At a time when Ukraine closed its borders, how were Ukrainians allowed to come here?" Kumudesh queried. He added that ultimately it was certain individuals with ties to the government who had benefitted through the COVID-19 pandemic.