• Dr. Padma Gunaratne said 20% of the population above 20 years of age were not vaccinated as well as those in the group below 20 years

By Sheain Fernandopulle 

With the lifting of the lock-down in the country from tomorrow, the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) said there is still a possibility of high transmission of the COVID virus, as a significant number of individuals below 30 years are yet to be vaccinated. 

SLMA President Dr. Padma Gunaratne said 20% of the population above 20 years of age were not vaccinated as well as those in the group below 20 years.

“Against this backdrop, there is still a high possibility of virus transmission. However, it would be extremely hard for the country to bear if another wave emerges in the community. Another wave is inevitable if people failed to tow the line,” she stressed.

Therefore, she stressed the importance of strictly following health rules and guidelines in order to prevent another wave when the curfew is lifted.

She also said they had submitted a set of guidelines and recommendations to the Government, that can be observed when the curfew lifted.

“Accordingly, we as the SLMA are of the opinion that the interprovincial travel ban should be continued and large gatherings should also be restricted until a limited period of time,”  Dr Gunaratne added.

• It would be extremely hard for the country to bear if another wave emerges in the community. Another wave is inevitable if people failed to tow the line