The Army will provide 10,000 new beds to hospitals, and similarly the Army Seva Vanitha Unit after converting a building to be a Care Centre will provide 1200 more beds, said Army Commander, General Shavendra Silva on Tuesday, May 4.
At a review session of COVID-19 Task Force members on the control of the epidemic, General Shavendra Silva said, “The armed forces would supply normal beds and make camps available to function as Intermediate Care Centres for Covid-19 patients while simultaneously increasing the number of ICU bed capacity in hospitals”.
“The government adopts two options at this moment, either to go for a total lockdown or to manage with the situation while running the country,” said the Army Commander adding, at times, PCR numbers had to be increased to 15,000- 20,000 in order to locate new patients and isolate specific areas as necessary, considering the serious need for it.
“The COVID-19 Center (NOCPCO), now manned with more Officers would monitor developments throughout day and night and collect details about new patients from every MOH,” he also said.
Similarly, affected people who cannot find transport or other requirements to proceed to Care Centres can contact Hotline 1906 at NOCPCO and seek assistance for coordination.
Talking about COVID-19 vaccination process, he told the gathering that the first consignment of 15,000 doses from Russia has arrived here and if scientific recommendations are okay, another stock of 185,000 vaccines could be brought down within a week. More stocks can be brought down in future, accordingly.
General Shavendra Silva also instructed the Police to closely monitor the quarantine work, occurring at home fronts as it is necessary to be kept them in quarantine for 7 days to two weeks.
