By : Nalin Jayetileke
In a meeting that was held with minister Keheliya Rambukwella and the health unions last morning, discussions have been underway looking at further extension of Lockdowns. However, it has been reviled that during the discussions the parties have aired the thoughts on the purpose of the lock downs, as doing concerns have been raised about the effects of lockdowns till such time all citizens are fully vaccinated. However, a decision will be taken today whether the lockdown will be further extended from Monday the 30th. This will be decided at the Covid task force meeting that is scheduled to be held with the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa this evening.
It has been highlighted by the Minister Keheliya Ranbukwella that he was personally against the lock down as its evident on having a huge effect on the economy and the livelihood of the daily wage earners. Minister Rambukwella at the meeting had informed that he was personally against the lockdown as it severely affected the economy and the livelihoods of the daily wage earners.
Based is the discussion , a decision is to be made today after due consideration to all options available and the advice by the experts on the said subject.
He said that according to scientific evidence, the moment a lockdown is enforced there is a slight decline of the cases, however COVID-19 begins to spreads once the country re-opens once again. “So where do we draw the line?” he questioned. The minister has further stated that vaccination and self discipline was the only way out of this pandemic and authorities would continue to administer the doses till the targets are achieved.
“According to the figures I received, less than 2 percent of those fully vaccinated have died from the virus while only less that 12 % of those who received the first dose have died of COVID19. 86 % of the deaths were of those who were not vaccinated,” he said.
At today’s meeting, our sources have reveled that a proposal will also be submitted to determine if area wise lock downs could be enforced rather than extending it as nationwide lockdown.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is scheduled to announce the final decision today.
