COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Health Ministry said COVID-19 patients who do not experience complications and do not fall into the High-Risk category would be quarantined at home.

State Minister of Primary Health Care, Epidemics, and COVID Disease Control (Dr.) Sudarshini Fernandopulle speaking to News 1st said a pilot project took place in Kalutara recently.

She said the President had instructed the Health Ministry to prioritize COVID-19 patients and to monitor the situation of home-quarantined COVID-19 patients via a dedicated call center.

Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle speaking to News 1st said the Karapitya Teaching Hospital had declared an emergency and similar incidents have been reported from across many main hospitals in the country.

‘There is a spike in COVID-19 cases in the country at present and since there is a huge influx of patients who require oxygen normal wards are also being used for COVID-19 treatment,’ she said.

The State Minister urged the people to follow the guidelines as increasing hospital capacities alone will not help control the spread of COVID-19.

She said that it appears the restrictions were relaxed in the country without giving due consideration to the spike in COVID cases and deaths.

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