Those protesting must take responsibility of another cluster: DDGHS

COLOMBO (News 1st); Those who get involved in protests must bear responsibility if another COVID-19 cluster breaks out, Deputy Director-General of Health Services, Dr. Hemantha Herath says. Speaking to the media today (28) Dr. Herath mentioned that health authorities have consistently emphasised the adverse effects of organizing protests during this time, however some continue to organize such protests and ignore medical recommendations. Responding to a question about oversaturation of hospitals in the country with COVID-19 patients, the Deputy Director General stated that Sri Lanka currently posseses 32,000 beds to treat COVID-19 patients islandwide, and all hospitals transfer non-COVID-19 patients to other hospitals to prevent such patients from contracting the disease and facilitating for additional isolation COVID-19 wards at hospitals. Meanwhile, Dr. Herath stated that the vaccination program within the Western Province will continue, adding that many who obtained the AstraZeneca-Covishield vaccine still have not recieved their second dose. They will also recieve a booster dose approximately after an year, he said. The Delta variant causes for human lungs to put more effort into obtaining oxygen, which is why there is a large demand for oxygen, Dr. Herath mentioned. He added that the country has enough and more supplies ensure that patients will be supplied with oxygen, and pointed out that Sri Lanka can always obtain more oxygen from other countries as well.