The Government Medical Officers Association says with new COVID-19 virus variants being reported, travel restrictions are not being enforced owing to economic conditions of the public being affected.
Speaking at a media briefing, Vice President of the GMOA Dr. Chandima Epitakaduwa said travel restrictions will directly affect people’s economic statuses.
Dr. Epitakaduwa said the public is expected to act with restraint amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said citing COVID-mitigation efforts as the responsibility of the government and the health sector alone and levelling allegations over inefficiencies is only a mere political statement.
Dr. Epitakaduwa claimed the public must also understand their responsibility in adhering to health regulations.
He said the public faced various hardships due to the initial lockdown adding that state sector employees were not affected as they continued to receive salaries.
The GMOA Vice President said those who do not receive a monthly salary are burdened due to prolonged lockdowns.
Dr. Epitakaduwa said the practicality of imposing inter-provincial travel restrictions is high if the Delta variant was restricted to one part of the country.
However he noted according to his knowledge, patients infected with the Delta variant have been recorded across the country, adding under such circumstances inter-provincial travel restrictions are insufficient in controlling the spread of the Delta variant.
