GMOA suggests further tightening of measures to combat pandemic

by Rathindra Kuruwita

The country should be divided into two separate zones based on the severity of the spread of COVID19 and the potential to have outbreaks, the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) said yesterday.

GMOA Editor Dr. Haritha Aluthge told The Island that instructions should be issued for those areas based on current health ministry guidelines on COVID19 prevention.

“Also 80% of all travel must be restricted and relevant authorities must ensure that this is implemented. Quarantine curfew must be imposed and areas must be declared isolated areas based on a scientific and timely system.”

Dr. Aluthge added that inter-district travel should be restricted to essential duties and the command centre at the Health Ministry on COVID19 strengthened.

“Random testing must be increased and we must update and develop the testing algorithm. The ability to use rapid antigen test must also be studied by experts,” he said.

People should also continue to social distance, practise respiratory etiquette, wash hands regularly and wear masks every time they stepped out of their houses, Dr. Aluthge said.