29th July 2021 23:00:01 Hours
One more session of the Task Force in the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID 19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) at Rajagiriya got underway this afternoon (29), headed by General Shavendra Silva, Head of the NOCPCO, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army, together with Director General of Health Services, Dr Asela Gunawardena.
During this discussion, General Shavendra Silva explained the gathering as regards the present status of the pandemic and behaviour of the new COVID-19 virus at present. He also briefed the gathering on the isolated areas of the country.
He focused on the vaccination process and availability of vaccine stocks and told the gathering that around 60% have taken the first dose, and in some districts, like in Matale and Kurunegala vaccination percentage records more than 90%.
He also said that the planned the repatriation programme would continue and the vaccination for those going for foreign employment has already begun in addition to vaccination of student categories. The majority of the dead have not received any dose of the vaccination and Colombo area is nearing completion of the vaccination process. He also mentioned about the proposed distribution of new vaccines coming into the country.
The Director General of Health Services emphasized that the human behaviour would remain to continue as the most critical factor that would eventually decide the future of the virus spread.
Meanwhile, other stake holders also discussed the general matters, related to ICCs, isolation, readiness of health sector, preparedness of essential services, oxygen supplies, health staff, arrival of expatriates, quarantine centres, procedures and process of vaccination, including second phase of the vaccine for all members who had already received the first dose.
