By Chaturanga Samarawickrama  

Considering the rapid escalation of the COVID infections and deaths in the country, the Govt. should impose a scientific, methodical and strict travel restrictions for at least 14 days, Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine of the Colombo University Senior Lecturer Dr. Manuj C. Weerasinghe said.  

He said a proposal in that regard has been submitted to the Government.  

“As we forecast earlier and through our experience, at least 4,000 to 5,000 people are getting infected by the COVID virus daily. However, we only see half of that number. From the remaining half, there is a strong possibility of more people getting infected,” he said.  

“We only see those who are being infected and dying in numbers, an average of 5,000 people,” he said.  
“Considering the current situation, there is a possibility of increasing the number of COVID deaths twice the present rate or more by the end of this month or at the beginning of next month. For COVID-19, the incubation period ranges from 1 to 14 days. But most people develop COVID symptoms from four to six days after the  exposure. Taking that period into consideration, most of the countries manage to control the situation and impose strict travel restrictions in view to stop the virus spreading in the society,” Dr. Weerasinghe said.  

“Issues will, however, crop up when implementing such travel restrictions. It is better if we have solutions without creating any issue. But unfortunately, we do not have problem-free methods,” he said.  

“As professionals, we can make certain recommendations based on the data in hand. Decision-making is the responsibility of the Government. However, when taking steps to control the spreading scientifically, strict travel restrictions should be imposed for at least 14 days,” Dr. Weerasinghe added.