SLMA voices grave concern and disappointment over lifting of travel restrictions

Monday, 21 June 2021 00:10 -     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) voiced grave concern and disappointment over the lifting of travel restrictions, stating that in a letter dated 11 June, a request was made that the restrictions be extended until at least 28 June.

In a letter issued on Saturday, the SLMA explained the country’s COVID-19 situation, saying 2,000 new COVID-19 cases are detected daily, with around 50 deaths occurring every day. 

“To complicate the situation further, there is also evidence of the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus being prevalent in the community. This variant is 50% more transmissible than the currently dominant variant,” the SLMA wrote.

The Association said they could foresee that releasing the country from lockdown for even a few days would result in free movement of the public and an alarming increase in transmission with the rapid spread of the Delta variant. 

“The epidemic will thereby escalate to an unprecedented level, causing increasing numbers of cases and unacceptable mortality on a scale that could completely overwhelm the health system,” the SLMA letter warned.

 

Non-essential travel permitted countrywide with several restrictions still in place

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