• The importance of getting boosted against  COVID-19 emphasised
• We are on alert to see whether restrictions are needed or not
• The administration of  booster doses is nothing but an extension of the same COVID-19  vaccination drive to boost immunity

By Kelum Bandara 

Asserting that there won’t be any lockdown, State Minister  of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Prof. Channa  Jayasumana said only an internal discussion is underway to ascertain  whether some curbs should be reintroduced to contain the spread of  highly contagious Omicron variant.  Sri Lanka, for the first time after 124 days, recorded more than 1,000 cases last Sunday.   

Asked for a comment, the State Minister said there is an  internal discussion whether some restrictions should be re-imposed, but a  lockdown is ruled out.   

“In some countries, the spread of Omicron is not considered  seriously. It is taken as a normal situation. We pay attention to it.  Also, we are on alert to see whether restrictions are needed or not.  But, we will not go for a lockdown,” he said.   

Emphasising the importance of getting boosted against  COVID-19, he said hesitancy prevails among some people since they see  it as a new kind of vaccination completely.   

“We have to fight such misconception. The administration of  booster doses is nothing but an extension of the same COVID-19  vaccination drive to boost immunity that otherwise dips for people  double-jabbed after some time,” he said.   

• In some countries, the spread of Omicron is not considered  seriously. It is taken as a normal situation