GMOA highlights 4 delays in COVID-19 control measures

Tuesday, 23 February 2021 01:35 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) yesterday identified four delays in the COVID-19 control measures implemented in the country, stressing that correcting these delays was vital to preventing the spread of the UK variant of COVID-19 detected in Sri Lanka.

According to a statement issued by the GMOA, the first delay is between the contraction of the virus and the PCR test performed to detect the disease, and the second delay is between the PCR test and the results.

There is also a delay between the issuing of the PCR results and the patient being directed to a treatment centre.

The fourth delay identified by the GMOA is with regard to the surveillance of contacts of COVID-19 patients.

The GMOA also raised concerns regarding inconsistencies in the official statistics and the lack of a proper explanation by officials, which they say is affecting public trust in the overall system. They added that efficient vaccine rollout with clearly identified priority groups is also essential at this point.