The Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPA) in a statement released today (10), put forward a series of recommendations in order to execute a proper exit strategy for the ongoing travel restrictions. Accordingly, the Organisation has made the following observations –Lack of adherence to preventive measure when restrictions were relaxedRelaxed and complacent attitude towards Covid prevention measures across all levels, despite advice from health authoritiesIncreasing number of deaths and casesLikelihood of numbers increasing which will exceed capacity of the health systemDeviation from WHO priority road map for vaccination processesWith these observations in mind, the Organisation has put forward the following recommendations –Continue restriction of mobility in heavily affected areas while maintaining essential economic and service activitiesGovernment could maintain and encourage the private sector to join and maintain supply chains for provision of essential services. OPA is in the best position to provide such recommendations as done in the past. Consider the usage of epidemiological predictions, forecasting and mapping to plan preventive and management strategiesRevise patient admission and discharge criteria considering limited resources available for prioritized admission process to ensure early detection and management of those who are at high riskReal time data and rational use of IT for contact tracing and surveillance as there is a backlog in receiving informationIsolate if necessary (as a bubble or similar arrangement ), affected economic centres such as FTZs and ports of entry while maintaining economic process, supply chains, and essential services. Streamline the vaccination policy with priority given to those over the age of 60 with pre existing conditions

Source: The Nation June 10, 2021 13:07 UTC