By Chaturanga Samarawickrama  

These days, the increase in the number of influenza and fever infections in the country is quite normal, but the escalation of COVID-19 positive cases is quite unexpected, Health Services Deputy Director General Dr. Hemantha Herath said. 

He said a number of patients with COVID-19, dengue, influenza, fever and other viral infections are being reported these days.  Fewer than 1,000 COVID-19 virus-infected patients are still receiving specialized care in isolated rooms across the country.  

“A certain number of COVID patients are receiving treatment under home care. We are expecting to see more patients with dengue fever as the dreaded fever is spreading around the country rapidly. A total of more than 50,000 dengue-positive patients have been reported so far in the country,” he said.   This is the time where influenza and fever viruses spread in society every year.  

More patients are being admitted to the hospital.  

Suspicious cases will be subject to COVID-19 tests to identify whether they have been infected with the virus or not.  

“We do not recommend COVID patients to be subjected to the Quarantine process, which is not practical with vaccination programmes, and it is not practised in any country. Think about the higher percentage of vaccination rollouts,” he said.   “Therefore, under the current situation, it is important to get booster vaccinations against the COVID virus,” Dr. Herath added.