Risk of new COVID variant spreading in Sri Lanka minimal: Health Ministry

26 December 2023 05:54 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 7 Bookmark

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Colombo, Dec.26 (Daily Mirror) - The Ministry of Health asserted that the risk of the JN-1 sub-variant spreading in Sri Lanka is currently deemed very low.

However, the Ministry said to assess this risk, the Medical Research Institute has been directed to conduct genetic tests in collaboration with the Southeast Asia Regional Office of the WHO.

As part of proactive measures, the Ministry has intensified COVID-19 testing efforts, especially in major hospitals.

Recent tests have yielded promising results, with a notably low number of COVID-19 cases reported, and recent samples testing negative, according to the Ministry's statement.

Despite these encouraging findings, the Ministry underscores the importance of adhering to preventive measures.

Meanwhile, expert advice emphasizes practices like wearing masks, frequent handwashing, maintaining distance, and observing proper cough and sneeze etiquettes to curb the spread of influenza and respiratory diseases.

Comments - 7

D P P Prasad Tuesday, 26 December 2023 09:18 AM

But some persons get used to travel by the public transport like buses and trains are sneezing coughing and spitting out without heeding sanitary etiquettes. Even though certain persons are advised not to chew the betel In side the the buses without adhering to the such advises they chew and spit the saliva out of the windows even disturbing the pedestrians on the roads

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johan Tuesday, 26 December 2023 12:43 PM

The new health minister should be vigilant unlike Pavithra and Keheliya about this variant. Still more people are to be vaccinated

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M Fernando Tuesday, 26 December 2023 06:22 PM

Minister should issue instructions to relevant authorities to ensure COVID does not spread in Sri Lanka. All will be well. Besides, we still have clay pots, rivers and Pavithra !

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rani Tuesday, 26 December 2023 08:01 PM

who tests for covid ? no one. Everyone says I have a bad flu so how do you know who has covid

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M Fernando Thursday, 28 December 2023 02:45 PM

With many foreigners visiting Sri Lanka, and no COVID screening or vaccination requirements, I don't think this claim can be made with any degree of confidence.

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rani Thursday, 28 December 2023 06:45 PM

No country in the entire world tests. Covid is like flu. Just follow good hygiene. You start screening people who come in you will loose tourists to other countries - good luck with that.

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Prabhath Perera Thursday, 28 December 2023 06:28 PM

If it spreads in Sri Lanka, these officials should arrested and prosecuted for not doing their job properly!

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