• Says vaccination was not the only solution for COVID-19, but it is the best solution against the virus
• There is an increase in Covid cases and mortality due to spread of Delta variant

By Ajith Siriwardana

The quarantine curfew which has been declared for ten days should be extended by at least ten more days to successfully curtail the spike in COVID-19 cases and deaths caused due to complications, former Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe said yesterday.

He told a news conference convened by the National People’s Power (NPP) that an extension of the travel restriction would help to curtail the infections, mortality, congestion in hospitals and health workers getting infected with the virus.

He said all the medical experts and specialists opine that travel restrictions should therefore be in force for ten more days.

Dr. Abeysinghe said vaccination was not the only solution for COVID-19, but it is the best solution against the virus.

 “The vaccination is not the only solution against the Covid pandemic. For instance, in Israel, more than 78% of its population over 12 years of age have been vaccinated. However, there is an increase in Covid cases and mortality due to the spread of Delta variant. So, we need to continue adhering to health practices such as maintaining one-metre distance, washing hands and wearing face masks,” he said.

• The vaccination is not the only solution against the Covid pandemic. For instance, in Israel, more than 78% of its population over 12 years of age have been vaccinated