It’s timely to share the findings on the nature of COVID-19 found here

The news reaching us, the general public, after the Kandakadu debacle is unsettling, to say the least. Inklings of community spread, as the epidemiologist Dr Samaraweera warns, may herald the second wave (or really the first wave of community spread).

DIG Ajith Rohana on July 11, said the inmates of the camp were all tested before entry. They either developed the infection after, which can happen if they were at an early incubation phase of the virus during screening or more worrying, did some visitor bring the virus, implying community spread?

The Army Commander said no visitors came in April to May, while 115 have come since, who have now been quarantined. However, counsellors taking their leave might have spread the virus.

I am curious how/ why there are so few declared deaths. 11/2600+ will give a percentage of around 0.4. If the numbers are correct, one has to postulate some level of natural immunity or a less virulent strain of the virus. I think it is time for the various Institutes that have collected many a blood sample from the community, to let us be briefed, of their findings on the antibody status of the communities of Sri Lanka they have tested. What are the communities / which areas/cities that have a high titre of COVID -19 antibodies (B & T), indicating previous undiagnosed, unrecorded infection? It is of public interest to know, for policy decisions, both national and personal are dependent on this information.

I would also like to use this opportunity, to ask those organizing political rallies, to be more responsible. Social distancing if not abided by, will risk the entire population. The electronic media shows, even those who lead, accepting this disgusting status quo.

The armed forces , who are doing a yeoman job must be demoralized by this attitude. The Navy, I notice, are quite creditably patrolling the Palk Strait, the 32 miles which separate us from Tamil Nadu where COVID is rampant, second only to Maharashtra in the Indian subcontinent!

Elections in this milieu, may eventually prove to be ‘macko madness’.

Dr Channa Ratnatunga Kandy