The health sector says 52 of the 70 intensive care beds allocated to treat coronavirus patients at state and private sector hospitals in the country are occupied.
Health officials said there is an increase in the number of oxygen-dependent COVID-patients currently.
Speaking during a media briefing at the Health Promotion Bureau today, Chief Coordinator of COVID-19 at the Ministry of Health, Director of Medical Technical Services Dr. Anwar Hamdani said while COVID-situation can be controlled, it is important for the public to be aware of the dangers and ensure their safety.
Dr. Hamdani said they are currently maintaining 15,000 hospital beds to treat COVID-patients adding 30% of patients are currently receiving hospital treatment.
He said they observed a 5% increasing in oxygen-dependent COVID-patients.
Dr. Hamdani said the present situation has not escalated due to the success of the COVID-vaccination programme and the public fulfilling their responsibilities.
He said patient treatment services are in place adding however everyone must ensure each other’s safety by adhering to guidelines.
Commenting on the importance of COVID-vaccinations to mitigate the spread of the Omicron virus variant, Dr. Hamdani said it is reported from around the world that the Omicron variant is highly transmissible.
He said Sri Lanka is able to maintain the present situation due to the vaccinations and the public adhering to health regulations.
He said various claims are circulated pertaining to the COVID-vaccine, including its side-effects.
Dr. Hamdani reminded that the country’s safety is ensured through each individual ensuring their own safety and urged the public to make the vaccination a priority.
Furthermore, the Director of Medical Technical Services said necessary legal drafts are being compiled on the instructions of the Attorney General in order to enforce the law against those who have not been vaccinated.
Dr. Hamdani said the Minister of Health is conducting relevant discussions adding the decisions will be announced through a Gazette Notification.
