The Government Medical Officers Association says health authorities can identify the emergence of new variants and issues concerning the coronavirus if they increase the number of PCR and rapid antigen tests, on a scientific basis.
Speaking to media member of the GMOA Dr. Hansamal Weerasuriya said a pandemic cannot be controlled by authorities simply reducing the number of tests conducted.
He highlighted the need for increasing random testing to identify and curb cases in society.
Dr. Weerasuriya warned that failure to do so will lead to new mutations of the virus not being identified or the virus not being able to be traced.
He claimed that health authorities are unaware if new variants were emerging in Sri Lanka.
Dr. Weerasuriya added citizens cannot expect the pandemic to diminish with the completion of vaccinations.
However, he revealed that the pandemic can be controlled to a certain extent if more than 70% of Sri Lanka’s population is fully vaccinated.
Dr. Weerasuriya noted the vaccine will only prevent major complications in diagnosed patients and reduce the number of deaths claiming it is not a complete cure.
