COVID numbers rising as Sri Lanka marks one-year since vaccine roll-out

COLOMBO (News 1st); The number of COVID-19 patients admitted to several key hospitals in the country is on the rise, warned Sri Lanka's health sector.

COVID numbers at the Colombo National Hospital, National Institute of Infectious Diseases as well as the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital are on the rise.

Deputy Director-General of Health Services Dr. G. Wijesuriya speaking to News 1st said that COVID cases among children at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children have also increased.

The increase in figures is being reported in Sri Lanka when the country marks one year since it began administering the vaccine against COVID-19.

At the Colombo National Hospital, COVID-19 patients are being treated at five dedicated wards, and a hospital spokesperson said there is an increase in the COVID numbers reported daily at the hospital.

The National Institute of Infectious Diseases is reaching its capacity of beds for COVID patients, said Dr. Hasitha Attanayake, the Director of IDH.

Over the past week, the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital accommodated around 30 COVID patients, however on Friday (29) that number increased to 60.

Director of the Ridgeway Hospital for Children Dr. G. Wijesuriya told News 1st that around 40 to 50 children are receiving in-house treatment for COVID-19.

The Joint Council of Professions Supplementary to Medicine alleged that the Government's decision to dissolve the COVID task force can be cited as a reason for the increase in numbers.

Though Sri Lanka is marking one year since the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out, health authorities say that the general public is not showing interest to obtain the booster jab against the virus.

Director of the Health Promotion Bureau Dr. Ranjith Batuwanthudawa speaking to News 1st said that most of the COVID-19 cases reported this year are tested with the Omicron Variant.

"However, there are some patients reporting to hospitals with the Delta Variant," he warned adding that most of the patients are those who have not obtained the vaccine against COVID-19.

He said that those who have not obtained the booster jab are the ones who depend on oxygen following admission and then are transferred to the ICU.

In addition, the Health Ministry is focused on preparing controls on weddings gives the sharp rise in COVID cases.

Deputy Director-General of Public Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath told News 1st that the green light for weddings should not be abused as the freedom to do whatever they want.

"There are instances when people who attend weddings decide to take off their masks inside the premises. People need to continue to follow health practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19," he said.