He told the Daily Mirror that the decision should be made after consulting with the consultant.

He said the ministry had informed the hospital sector to consider the situation and see if certain surgeries could be delayed for a while.

Meanwhile, the Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) spokesman, Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe said no directive had been issued in this regard, but as a social practice, all non-urgent surgeries had been limited.

All hospitals conduct emergency operations such as cancer operations, caesarean deliveries, and cardiac surgeries, which will continue, Dr. Wijesinghe said. (Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama)