08 districts in a danger; the whole country is in danger if those are not isolated immediately
The health authorities have pointed out to the government that the corona spreading situation in eight districts of the country is becoming very serious. The situation in Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kurunegala, Kandy, Matale, Moneragala and Hambantota districts is likely to worsen in the future, the Government Medical Officers’ Association noted. The situation in the district was “serious” due to delays in conducting tests, hospitalizing infected people and identifying associates; Dr Naveen de Zoysa, Assistant Secretary of the Association, said. He said that to get rid of this serious situation, immediate action should be taken to impose travel restrictions and the government should implement a formal program regarding the proper implementation of health advice.
We can import Oxygen from a country like Singapore; Minister Dullas Alahapperuma
If the production of oxygen for coronary infections in Sri Lanka is not sufficient, it has been decided to import it from a country like Singapore; Minister Dullas Alahapperuma started. He said these while addressing the Matara District Corona Task Force. Meanwhile, the two companies that supply oxygen to the country have informed the Ministry of Health that they can supply three times as much oxygen as the country currently needs. The daily oxygen production capacity of the country is 67,000 litres and the daily requirement for the health sector is 22,000 litres.
9 more Covid deaths reported during the past 24 hours – a young man among them
Nine more COVID19 deaths have been reported, said the Director-General of Health Services, Dr Asela Gunawardena. Accordingly, the number of COVID 19 deaths reported from Sri Lanka has risen to 687.
More areas locked down with immediate effect
The Piliyandala police area has been locked down with immediate effect. Oris Hill and Appuwalipuram GN Divisions in Trincomalee & Neeldandaheena GN Division in Walapane isolated with immediate effect. Walana North, Wekada West, Kiriberiya, Palamulla East GN Divisions in the Kaluta District isolated with immediate effect : Army Commander also 187 people arrested in 24 hours for failing to wear facemasks and follow quaraanrrine regulations : Police Spokesperson.
New Covid-19 Guidelines Issued
Sri Lanka’s Director General of Health Services on Saturday (01) issued a series of guidelines to control the spread of COVID-19 with effect from the 01st of May 2021. The instructions are as follows: 01. Conference / Seminars / Meetings / Brand Luncheons are not allowed until 21st May 2021. The decision will be reviewed based on the COVID-19 situation in Sri Lanka. 02. Super Markets, Shopping Malls, Financial Institutions, Textile Stores, retail outlets can operate only with 25% customer capacity present at any given time. 03. Events and public gatherings held at closed and open venues prohibited until further notice 04. The gathering of people in religious places should be suspended. 05. Cinemas and Theaters, Kids Playgrounds, Swimming Pools, Pubs and Bars, Casinos and Nightclubs, betting centers and spas will remain closed until further notice. 06. Accommodation in Hotels, Inns & Guest Houses etc. can only operate with 50% of the total capacity and should not be in operation after 10.00 pm. 07. Carnival, musical shows, beach parties / festivals are not allowed. 08. Open-stalls, Fairs and Bakeries should be operate with 25% of the customer capacity present at any given time. 09. Courts – Up to 25% of the total capacity is open to the public. 10. NO visitation for Prison inmates 11. Schools, Preschools, Universities and Higher Educational Institutions, Tuition Classes Closed until notified. 12. NO permission for Weddings from May 04 to May 20, 2021.
The government introduced Sathosa Relief Pack-2
The Ministry of Trade will issue an essential goods relief pack which is named Sathosa Relief Pack-2 via Lanka Sathosa for Rs. 1000 from the 2nd of May; Minister Bandula Gunawardena said. Public purchasing the relief packs will be provided an opportunity to purchase a 400 gram milk powder packet, with a discount of Rs. 5; he further added. The essential goods in the new relief pack include: Samba Rice- 1 kiloNadu Rice – 1 kiloFlour – 1 kiloRed Australian Dhal – 1 kiloWhite Sugar- 1 kiloThai Sprats- 200 gramsHand santizer- 50ml bottleFace maskTea leaves – 100 gramsSoya Meat- 50 grams packetChili flakes – 100 grams
The government is discussing importing the AstraZeneca vaccine from another country- Army Commander
Senior Adviser to the President Lalith Weeratunga has discussed purchasing an AstraZeneca vaccine manufactured in another country instead of the AstraZeneca vaccine manufactured in India; Army Commander Shavendra Silva stated. The Army Commander stated that he believed that the vaccine would be given.
Oxygen shortage in several hospitals in Homagama; hospitals have to give oxygen to 25% of infected.
Former JVP Member of Parliament Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa states that there is a shortage of oxygen in several hospitals in the country now. He added that this time the corona virus was in a different condition than the previous two waves and even those who were kept in normal wards had to be given oxygen. He added that 25% of the corona patients currently being treated at the Homagama Hospital had to be given oxygen. He said these while addressing a public meeting organized by the JVP.
The situation in Sri Lanka is dangerous – Public Health Inspectors warn the country
Delayed in receiving laboratory reports in the first and second waves of Covid-19, as well as in this wave is unfortunate; the President of the Association of Public Health Inspectors Upul Rohana stated. He said this while expressing his views to the media. He also stressed that the authorities should take steps to establish a system to obtain laboratory reports expeditiously. The current situation in the country is more dangerous and serious than what is being reported through laboratory reports and patient data; He further added.
All schools will remain closed until May 07 – Minister of Education
All schools will be closed islandwide until May 07.Education Minister G.L Peiris stated. The Minister said that the decision on the reopening date of schools would be taken later. Authorities closed all schools and tuition classes from April 30 after increasing of Covid infections in the country.