Health system reaching tipping point; experts

COLOMBO (News1st): The Association of Medical Specialists has cautioned that it will be a matter of few days to exceed the supply of oxygen, due to the increasing demand as COVID-19 infections continue to rise. They have pointed out that deaths may increase due to lack of oxygen or due to the lack of oxygen delivery mechanism to the patient's bedside. The association notes that relaxing COVID-19 restrictions will be adding "fuel to the fire" and that the public will start behaving like "free birds" thereby aggravating the crisis. The statement notes that although the government's urgency in getting the economy back on track due to the declining economic performance is understandable, making impatient decisions will affect economic growth due to the increasing numbers of infections and deaths. The association has requested the government to revisit the COVID-19 restriction protocols in the wake of surging numbers amidst the Delta variant. It said that although livelihoods are important, it is also important to save lives, and that "it is better to have a living problem than a dead certainty."