Sri Lanka rules out lockdown despite massive Omicron surge

95 percent of COVID-19 cases are of Omicron

• Give priority to precautionary measures

 By Sheain Fernandopulle   

The laboratory tests have confirmed that 95 percent of Sri Lanka’s current COVID-19 cases have been caused by the highly contagious Omicron variant, Director, Health Promotion Bureau (HPB) Dr. Ranjith Batuwanthudawa said yesterday.  

Addressing a news briefing at his office, he said infections and hospitalisations are on the rise.   
“However, we have noticed that people have showed a bit more enthusiasm and interest to get boosted now. It was not the case earlier. People showed slight hesitancy in receiving the booster dose due to misinformation,” he added.   Meanwhile, Deputy Director General of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath said there is no intention of imposing a lockdown as of now despite several requests to do so.   

“We try our level best to control this situation while the country is open. If we go for a lockdown this time, it would adversely affect not only daily income earners but also monthly income earners,” Dr Herath stressed.   
“Hence, what should be done is to make sure that health guidelines are properly followed and the booster dose received as early as possible,” he added. 

• People have showed a bit more enthusiasm and interest to get boosted now