Contingency Plans necessary for Festive Season - Army Chief

by Zulfick Farzan 26-11-2021 | 11:12 AM

COLOMBO (News 1st): Sri Lanka's Army Commander General Shavendra Silva said that there is a need for Contingency Plans During Festive Season.

According to Sri Lanka Army, the Army Chief had noted that COVID numbers are increasing by the week.

"We have around 700 positive cases at present a day and still 20-30 deaths per day. Compared to the last week, there is an increase in numbers," said General Shavendra Silva, Head, National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO), Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army addressing the routine NOCPCO Task Force meeting, held on Thursday (25).

"We have managed to vaccinate 84% of the eligible population through the facilitation of the Health Ministry and the government facilitation. It was what was expected from us by the Nation and we have now started the inoculation of the booster dose,” he added.

He also observed that there are still certain percentages of adults above 60 years who have still not received the first dose of the vaccine.

"They appear to be not interested in getting any type of vaccines despite many awareness programmes. When it comes to the booster dose, the percentage of adults taking it is still very low, unfortunately. However, all attempts must be made to increase that percentage too in the coming days," he added.

“As the festive season is forthcoming soon, we are compelled to be ready with contingency plans in the event of any sudden surge of the new cases, for which the public have to hold responsibility and take necessary precautionary measures in advance," said the Army Commander.

He went on to note that continued adherence to standard health protocols, being repeatedly reminded by respective authorities is needed to be given due attention without forcing authorities for any lockdowns.

Similarly, the vaccination programme would also continue for school children and also inoculation of the booster doses, etc while simultaneously educating the public on any vulnerable outbreak in coming months during festive seasons,” General Shavendra Silva pointed out.