• More Omicron cases expected in coming weeks 
• Only 25 percent of total population had received booster shot
• Cases had been detected from Badulla, Anuradhapura and Puttalam Districts
• Spread has been curtailed to a certain extent due to vaccination

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

In a situation where lethal and latest COVID-19 variant Omicron continues to ravage many countries, the Health Ministry said the spread of Omicron in Sri Lanka has been contained despite detection of 48 such cases so far. 

COVID-19 Coordinator and Director of Technical Services of the Ministry of Health Dr. Anwar Hamdani told Daily Mirror that Omicron cases had been detected from several parts of the country such as Badulla, Anuradhapura, Puttalam Districts and added the patients detected so far are returnees from foreign countries. 

 
“However, the contacts of Omicron patients have been traced and steps have already been taken to put them under quarantine. It’s noteworthy that Omicron spread has been curtailed to a certain extent due to vaccination,” Dr. Hamdani added.   

Thus, he underscored the significance of getting the booster dose without any delay.   

However, Dr. Hamdani said only 25 percent of total population had received the booster shot and added the percentage need to increase further. Further, he said more cases of Omicron could be expected in coming weeks as well. 

• The contacts of Omicron patients have been traced and steps have already been taken to put them under quarantine