Surge in COVID cases expected

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) – There is a possibility for a significant increase in Covid-19 cases by the first or second week of February.

Anyone who develops a fever should seek immediate medical assistance as COVID-19, Dengue and another viral flu are currently spreading in the country, State Minister Prof. Channa Jayasumana said.

Speaking to the media over the weekend, he said there is a possibility for a significant increase in Covid-19 cases by the first or second week of February.

He also pointed out that the public interest in obtaining the COVID-19 booster is not satisfactory, adding that this has affected the COVID-19 control measures. According to the Health Ministry statistics, only 4.9million had obtained the booster shot as of yesterday.

Prof. Jayasumana said there are some people who had not even obtained the first and the second doses despite the repeated requests by the Government as well as the health authorities.

Sri Lanka has reported over 800 cases for the last four days. The Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry said the number of COVID-19 patients under medical care has increased to 9,650 as of yesterday morning. The total number of cases has passed the mark of 600,000 with nearly 15,300 deaths.

Lady Ridgeway Hospital Director G.Wijesuriya said that there is an increase of COVID-19 infections among children.

He said that 40 children infected with COVID-19 are currently receiving residential treatment at the hospital.