Even the country can close if necessary; Sudarshani Fernandopulle
Minister of State for Corona Sudarshani Fernandopulle has said that the decision to isolate areas due to the spread of the coronavirus is not a political one. Epidemiologically, the decisions are based on reports of corona infections, but she said she would not agree if certain areas were closed without the need for expertise. She said local health directors had the power to close at the division level with the knowledge of the direct director-generalist services, and could even decide to close the country if necessary. She stated this while joining to a media briefing held in Colombo today.
No spaces in hospital, Infected people piling up in homes – GMOA
The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) says the number of people with corona infection being kept at home is on the rise. The executive member of the association Prasad Colombage said that this situation has arisen due to the blockage of capacity in the hospitals due to the increase in the number of infections He added that local health officials and public health inspectors had also confirmed that more corona infections were being kept in homes and a specific procedure would have to be followed in admitting corona infected people to the hospital depending on the situation.
Corona Pandemic in India; Dangerous corona double mutant variety is affecting directly the lungs
It has been revealed that a dangerous new corona double mutant variety is spreading in India and it is said to be 18 times more powerful than the existing variant. According to the reports, this is the first time such a double-mutant variant has been identified. The Indian government is under intense pressure to rebuild the entire country as up to 3.8 million cases of the new corona infection have been reported so far. Former Chief Minister Ajit Singh and Jammu and Kashmir’s Tengkar Haryam party leader Mohammad Ashraf have also died due to corona infection. The new corona strain that has emerged has not yet been identified and has been revealed to go directly into the lungs and die. Meanwhile, Bihar has been closed till May 15 with immediate effect and according to the Indian media, 3780 people have died in the past 24 hours.
Sri Lanka’s First female DIG: Bimshani Jasin Arachchi has removed from her assigned duties
The first female Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) of Sri Lanka Police Bimshani Jasin Arachchi has been removed from her assigned duties She has been appointed as the DIG in charge of the Police Ombudsman Range and she has been removed from her duties with effect from 1st May 2021; Jasin Arachchi’s legal representation had said to The Morning newspaper. Also, officers serving under her have been instructed to report to another DIG. Her legal representation has sent a letter to Inspector General of Police (IGP) C.D. Wickramaratne requesting her to be assigned duties suitable for her DIG position or to be reassigned as the DIG of the Police Ombudsman Range.
Schools – Universities and tuition classes will be closed until further notice
All schools, universities, pre-schools, pirivenas and tuition classes islandwide will be closed until further notice, Education Minister Prof. GL Peiris said (May 07). The decision was taken jointly by the education authorities and the health sector considering the ongoing third wave of corona infection in Sri Lanka.
The health system can no longer bear it – Epidemiologist informs
The Epidemiology Unit says that nearly 2,000 new cases of coronavirus are being diagnosed daily, making it unbearable for the country’s health system. Its Chief Specialist Dr Sudath Samaraweera states that a large number of infected people are already being treated in hospitals. He said that more than 17,000 people are currently hospitalized in the country and that the health system could not cope with the addition of another 2,000 people a day. Therefore, all people must act responsibly and the government or the Ministry of Health alone cannot do everything, he said. He was addressing the media in Colombo.
A heated situation occurred at Maharagama Municipal Council
The Maharagama Municipal Council was heated yesterday due to a clash over a video posted on social media between a ruling party member and a member of the same party. Following a video posted on social media, the MP attacked the Member of Parliament in the middle of the meeting. After the attack, the councillor left the meeting, claiming she is complaining to the police.
Travel restrictions will have to be imposed between provinces – Director General of Health Services
Dr Asela Gunawardena, Director General of Health Services says that if the pandemic situation continues to increase in the country, travel restrictions will have to be imposed between provinces in the future. It will depend on the number of patients reported in the future and the behaviour of the public, he said.
Twelve more Grama Niladhari Divisions Isolated
Twelve Grama Niladhari Divisions in Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara have been isolated with immediate effect. Army Commander General Shavendra Silva said the move was taken to control the further spread of corona infections. The isolated Gannarama officer domains are as follows. Colombo District – Halpita Kesbewa East Makandara West Nivungama village Polhena villageGampaha District- Aldeniya East Sooriyapaluwa South Sooriyapaluwa North Lower Karagahamuna North Upper Karagahamuna NorthKalutara District – Pimpura Yatiyana West
2 million Facebook account in the country will be suspended – Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella
Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella states that there are around two million Facebook accounts in the country without owner and legal action would be taken to suspend them. Justice Minister Ali Sabri and himself had submitted a cabinet paper to work out a plan to take legal action to suspend and control the accounts and necessary steps would be taken as soon as they were approved; he said It was important to take such steps for the national security of the country and that such steps should be taken for the betterment of the society; he further added.