Steps have been taken to increase the COVID-19 treatment facilities at hospitals, says the Commander of Army General Shavendra Silva.

Speaking further on the matter, he noted that selected tourist hotels will be converted into intermediate treatment centres if required.

The Army Chief, joining ‘Aluth Parlimenthuwa’ program on TV Derana, stated that Sri Lanka should brace for a surge in novel coronavirus infections in the coming weeks.

Sri Lanka on Wednesday (April 28) witnessed the highest single-day spike in COVID cases as 1,466 people were tested positive within the day. Daily cases stayed above the 1,000 mark for the second consecutive day while the total count reached 104,953.

People failing to adhere to the health protocols has also resulted in the recent escalation of COVID cases in the country, General Shavendra Silva pointed out.

The areas where there is a risk of coronavirus infection will be isolated with immediate effect, he said stressing that notices will not be issued in advance before imposing isolation orders. The Army Chief further explained that countrywide lockdowns will not come into effect.