Thursday Nov 14, 2024
Thursday Nov 14, 2024
Thursday, 19 March 2020 01:40 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
As the number of patients confirmed as COVID-19 positive reached 50 yesterday, the Government expanded mitigation measures by permitting private hospitals to conduct testing for the virus under strict regulations.
The positive cases tally increased by nine yesterday and all patients are presently receiving treatment at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (IDH).
At present, there are 212 individuals receiving treatment or under observation, out of whom 208 are Sri Lankans.
“The Government has decided to allow the COVID-19 test (also known as the PCR test) to be conducted at several private hospitals under strict conditions,” Director General of Health Services Dr. Anil Jasinghe told the media at the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO).
“Only patients who are admitted to the hospital and show symptoms which are defined by the circular issued by the Health Ministry can undergo the PCR test,” he explained.
According to the regulations, the private hospital must inform the Ministry and the Epidemiological Unit of the patient’s details and the results of the test immediately. Furthermore, the test results need to be issued within one day to the ministry and the patient.
The test must be carried out in approved and properly equipped laboratory where a specialist virologist will have to take responsibility for it, Dr .Jasinghe added.
The Government is negotiating a Rs. 6,000 price for the test with the private healthcare sector.
“The Health Ministry Epidemiological Unit is tasked with monitoring compliance by the private hospitals that will conduct testing,” Dr. Jasinghe told Daily FT. “We are going to allow them (private hospitals) to submit samples for testing at the MRI and we will charge them Rs. 6,000.”
The move came in the background of the Government introducing a regional lockdown for Puttalam, Chillaw, Negombo and Kochchikade areas, with Police curfew being enforced from 4:30 p.m. last evening. Curfew is to be lifted at 8 a.m. today and reimposed at 2.00 pm until further notice.
“There won’t be an issue for public transport or cargo vehicles that travel to other parts of the country via these areas; they will be allowed to travel through but not stop in the areas under curfew,” said Police DIG Ajith Rohana.
“As a Government we have to inform the public that the Cabinet discussed the requests for a two-week lockdown at length, but we cannot ignore the large part of our community who live on a daily wage. They can’t manage a two-week lockdown, they can’t afford to stock up on food for two weeks. Many in Sri Lanka do not have the wealth to do something like that,” Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi argued.
“Up to now most of the infected persons have been returnees, only a few locals have been infected,” Wanniarachchi said, expressing confidence that the Government was in control of the situation.
The Government has also decided to close down night clubs and betting centres and warned that spas should not be functioning under the regulation, which bans the congregation of people.
NOCPCO Head and Army Commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva explained that 2,287 people, including 21 foreigners, were presently being housed in 16 quarantine centres run by the military. Additional centres are being built, he added.
Meanwhile, 213 individuals suspected of having contracted COVID-19 but who have not been tested are being monitored in 12 hospitals around the country, Dr. Jasinghe added.
“Those who have self-quarantined are our only worry. If the quarantine regulations have been breached, we will send them to a quarantine centre, we can’t afford more cases,” Lt. Gen. Silva stated.
Over 4,000 of the returnees have registered with the Police and local health authorities, he added, pointing out that it was the responsible thing to do.
Silva expressed concern about reports that some tourists were being ill-treated by locals and warned that such treatment could affect the island’s tourism industry.
The Police requested the transport sector and private bus owners not to hire vehicles for trips, tours and pilgrimages.
“The Police will enforce the law strictly, roadblocks will be established islandwide and those found in breach of the quarantine laws may have the vehicles confiscated if found guilty before the law,” DIG Rohana warned.
Meanwhile, the Police is also investigating statements made by former Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne and former Minister of Wildlife and Conservation Field Marshall Sarath Fonseka regarding COVID-19 deaths and an infected student.
“The former Health Minister is deliberately misleading the public for political gain during this crisis. This is tragic; we will take legal action against him for spreading fake news,” Minister Wanniarachchi stated.
The CID on Monday arrested two individuals who spread fake news regarding COVID-19 countermeasures in Sri Lanka on social media platforms.
