Amid rising Covid-19 cases, Sri Lankan Health Minister Sudarshani Fernandopulle has said that next month will be very risky as the island nation on Wednesday recorded almost 6000 cases, the highest single-day count so far. Between Tuesday and Wednesday, cases increased almost 100 percent. 

The minister urged the public not to leave their homes except for urgent matters. People should understand the dangers as the country is at risk, she said. This month is very risky and the only cure for Covid suppression is to prevent the disease from spreading.

Dr. Fernandopulle said the people should protect themselves without waiting for the government or anyone else to impose regulations and called on the people to stop all unnecessary travel.

Earlier, the country recorded the highest cases, around 3500, on 21 May. However, the recent surge is the result of the deadly Delta variant. Though the government has ruled out imposing a nationwide lockdown, authorities have banned interprovincial travel. 

The country’s already troubled economy faced further jolt due to months-long restrictions. The country is not in a position to impose another nationwide lockdown at present conditions. 

Health experts have also said that a nationwide lockdown if imposed now, won’t have a significant impact at least for the next ten days. The country’s health infrastructure has also come under significant pressure. The patients seeking oxygen support too have gone up significantly. 

The government is also anticipating a shortage of medical oxygen and has already instructed officials to make arrangements for the import should the need arise. 

(SAM)