The Health Trade Union Collective says protests have been organised today opposite several hospitals demanding the government to impose a 14-day lockdown before the country’s health system collapses.
The Collective said it will take full responsibility of the health sector if a complete lockdown is imposed.
However, they claim if a lockdown is not imposed by Friday, they will force a lockdown by Monday.
Member of the Collective, Ravi Kumudesh said they are afraid if current efforts in containing the coronavirus will be in vain, adding they are not prepared to hand over matters to God’s as suggested by the Minister of Health.
Kumudesh said trade unions are willing to hold discussions with Minister Keheliya Rambukwella pertaining to a lockdown, that trade unions say should be imposed according to scientific observations.
He said the government must set aside its arrogance and heed such requests.
Kumudesh said the Collective has a successful plan to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic by conducting PCR or Rapid Antigen Tests on approximately 100,000 people in the event of a scientific lockdown.
He believes that 20 percent of the 100,000 will test positive adding they hope to only hospitalise a small percentage.
Kumudesh said numbers related to the requirement of hospital beds will be provided adding the current estimation is 10,000 beds.
He said other patients will be treated at treatment facilities or at homes.
Kumudesh said they are able to cure 80 percent of patients by treating them at home similar to when treating chickenpox and measles is contracted.
