GMOA claims 19,000 in SL may be exposed to COVID-19; underscores importance of social distancing during non-curfew hours

The GMOA yesterday underscored the importance of adhering strictly to social distancing warnings that if the practice is not maintained between the period of 25 March and 7 April, the numbers of those who are infected with COVID-19 could see a rapid increase.

“Considering Western nations that have been unsuccessful in carrying out social distancing, it can be assumed that between the period of 25 March and 7 April, if social distancing is not carried out, the numbers will face a rapid increase. Thus, if the citizens of Sri Lanka follow through with the health advice that is given, we can assume that there will be a favourable outcome in the subsequent two weeks,” the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) said.

If an adverse outcome were to result, there would be a reduction in the capacity of physical resources, both in quantity and quality, the GMOA said in its Situational Report of COVID-19, Sri Lanka – 24 March (4 p.m.).

“If advice is not followed through by the public, healthcare workers would have to be subjected to quarantine due to exposure to infected persons and thus cause a considerable decline in human resources,” the GMOA said. The Association said that going by the confirmed cases at present, it is likely that 19,000 of the population may have been exposed to this disease condition, and they are now under the observation of medical, military, and administrative structures and it is important to act to prevent those who are diseased and their contacts from further spreading the disease.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has explained four stages of COVID-19: I. No Cases, II. Sporadic Cases, III. Clusters; (a) Home Clusters/(b) Small Groups of Clusters, and IV. Community Transmission. Sri Lanka is now at Stage III(a).

The GMOA said that with the lifting of the curfew, Sri Lanka may proceed to Stage III(b) or stage IV. The GMOA advised Sri Lankans to incorporate the following into their life and lifestyles,

• Finances: When interacting with banks, social distancing should be maintained as recommended
  
   
• Dry rations: A mechanism should be set in place to distribute dry rations and other essential goods by the coordination of the disaster management unit and the divisional secretariat with the assistance of the health sector, Police, and armed forces
  
   
• Fresh produce: A similar mechanism as above should be set in place to ensure the distribution of these goods
  
   
• Medications and medical goods: Necessary medications and medical goods could be given via a mobile service, which should be arranged with the Ministry of Health. To do this, a system can be set in place in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Mobitel, Dialog, and Telecom
  
   
• As the public will have to remain indoors due to curfew, they may follow the advice given by the GMOA to stay healthy and disease-free