The number of COVID related deaths among senior citizens and elderly persons at home has increased  compared to the first and second waves, the Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) Secretary Dr. Senal Fernando said.

Addressing the media he said 60% of the COVID deaths were reported during the past one-and-a-half months, especially after the New Year.

When compared to the COVID deaths since March 2020, 60% of the deaths were reported during the third wave after the Sinhala/Tamil New Year, he said.

"After studying the number of deaths during the first and second COVID waves, the virus spread now is showing an alarming increase and has led to a critical situation. With the total mortalities so far, 58% of them have occurred in May. It is highly critical," he said.

"Between 73 to 75% of deaths were among the  people above 60 years of age. Even during the current lockdown period, the death of people above 60 years of age has increased. That means the virus had invaded our homes. During the first and second COVID waves, a most of deaths were not reported from homes," Dr. Fernando said.

"The travel restrictions were imposed to limit travels to a maximum of 90%. But the restrictions were limited only up to 60%. That shows people can to come out from their homes to meet their essential needs," he said.

Through this practice, the virus is taken to their homes, Dr. Fernando added. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)