• Steps are being taken to increase the capacity in ICUs and High Dependency Units 
• A new strain had been apparently identified and that’s why the ICU admissions had gone up

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

With the number of COVID-19 cases on the rise daily, there is a shortage of beds in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) for the COVID-19 patients in hospitals islandwide.  

Primary Health Care, Epidemics and COVID-19 Disease Control Minister Sudarshani Fernandopulle told Daily Mirror that the available capacity in ICU was almost full.   

“Steps are being taken to increase the capacity in ICUs and High Dependency Units in order to address the issue,” she said.   

She also said a new strain had been apparently identified and that’s why the ICU admissions had gone up.   
“There is a tendency of youths getting COVID-19 complications and being admitted in ICUs than adults at present,” she said.   

“However, we are taking all measures to mitigate the situation and minimise the risk,” she added.   
Meanwhile, the State Minister said people were not careful and were acting in an irresponsible manner. 

• There is a tendency of youths getting COVID-19 complications and being admitted in ICUs than adults at present