Grave concerns over relaxation of key measures -- SLMA

The Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) has expressed “grave” concerns over the current situation where there is a “blatant” lack of application of the measures required to control the spread of COVID-19.

“We are of the view that key measures are not adequately applied and monitored at present, thereby increasing the vulnerability of the country to a resurgence of COVID-19,” the SLMA said in a strong statement signed by the association’s President Prof. Indika Karunathilake; Vice President Prof. M.C. Weerasinghe; and Sri Lanka Inter-Collegiate Committee Convener Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama.

Lamenting that it is now clearly observed that the country is shifting back to the behaviour of the pre-COVID era, the SLMA says that it is tremendously disheartening to see what was achieved by a massive campaign to take the country to a new normal situation, being reversed.

“Most unfortunately, it seems to be complicated by some ‘regressive’ set of steps that have been taken, which could contribute towards dragging the entire country towards the catastrophic status that is akin to that faced by many other nations the world over,” it states.

These regressive steps include:

Over-relaxing of restrictions for

public gatherings

Operation of uncontrolled public

transport

Widespread opening of recreational activities

The SLMA points out that these and many other questionable manoeuvres have probably paved the way to change the mind-set of the people to abandon the very necessary control measures. Keeping the much-needed physical distancing, frequent hand washing etc., are largely disappearing, thereby increasing the risk of viral spread in the community. Even proper wearing of masks in public places is not strictly adhered to. The disappearance of those healthy behaviours seems to be largely due to the fast relaxation of control measures indicating that the risk of COVID19 is no more.

This false notion is extremely harmful and it will be hard to revert to healthy behaviours in the case of a resurgence of cases, the SLMA warns, pointing out that Sri Lanka as a country has managed to successfully control the spread of COVID-19 with a technically correct approach and prompt measures in the initial stage. Sri Lanka's approach of ‘Trace, Test, Treat’ has been the envy of the world in that respect.

Urging that “we need to be alerted by the increasing caseload of neighbouring countries and unprecedented resurgence of cases in countries which earlier claimed to have controlled the pandemic”, the SLMA reiterates that we need to learn very important lessons from what has happened in the very recent past.

The association has appealed to the government to enhance the campaign to strengthen the behaviour towards the new normal, through the continuation of the strict application of control measures and making it a mandatory requirement on the part of the public to conform to the advice provided by health professionals who are conversant on the subject.

Face-masks vital in classrooms

Hitting out at mixed messages coming from the Health Ministry with regard to the need for schoolchildren to wear face-masks, a senior Consultant Paediatrician reiterated that face-masks, social distancing and hand hygiene were equally important in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

“More and more evidence is emerging about the new coronavirus being airborne. A vital and practical preventive measure to stop/slowdown the spread of infectious aerosols is the wearing of face-masks,” said Dr. LakKumar Fernando, explaining that aerosols are the suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in the air.

Referring to the position paper issued by the Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians on measures that should be taken when opening schools, he said that there was major concern among healthcare staff as the public is gradually relaxing their adherence to the proper use of face- masks.

“It is alarming when we consider the new developments of the Kandakadu cluster this week,” he said, expressing “displeasure” about advice given to schoolchildren with regard to wearing face masks inside the classroom.

The classroom is generally an enclosed environment where teachers or students gather in numbers. The non-adherence to social distancing rules and the inevitable high volume of speech would propagate aerosol particles to travel relatively longer distances in the air. These particles can remain suspended for long hours. With the potential spread of the virus being proportional to the contact time between individuals, the classroom would become ideal for spreading the disease,” says Dr. Fernando.

Perturbed by the recommendation that children need not wear face-masks in the classroom, this Paediatrician requests a review of this position as it could have “severe consequences” and is against the science of COVID-19 transmission.

In some countries where children are finding it difficult to wear facemasks, face-shields have been recommended as a protective measure, he added.