LNP – Three times as many COVID patients undetected in community: Sudharshini

While warning the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths could surge further in the coming weeks, State Minister Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle said when over 2,000 positive cases are reported daily, there are two or three times of the number of cases that are undetected in the community.

She told reporters today that it was of much importance that people must stay indoors minimising unnecessary movement and added if they wanted to go outside for urgent need, the health guidelines must be followed.

“If people continued to act in an irresponsible manner, the situation would end up in a calamity in the near future. Therefore, we humbly request the people to make sure that they remain safe and responsibly,” the State Minister said.

“There is no point of increasing beds and ICUs capacity, if we lose human resources,” she pointed out.

Meanwhile, the State Minister said it had become extremely difficult for the Government to procure more COVID-19 vaccines at this point of time because there is an intense global demand for vaccines.

“Even though we have enough monetary resource to procure vaccines, it is not possible to do so due to the scarcity of vaccines which are in high demand,” she underlined.

“Nevertheless, we have placed orders to purchase more AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines. However, we are yet to receive positive response. Also, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine has been directed for approval,” she added.