There is no risk of a new COVID-19 variant spreading in Sri Lanka, and the public need not panic, according to Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media.
In a statement based on data from the Epidemiology Unit, Dr. Jasinghe clarified that while some Asian countries have reported a rise in COVID-19 cases, this may be due to various local factors, including poor disease management.
To safeguard public health, the Ministry has strengthened national preparedness and implemented precautionary measures across the healthcare sector.
The ongoing ‘Integrated Respiratory Surveillance’ program continues to monitor COVID-19 through clinical testing in selected hospitals, with no significant increase in cases currently detected.
A laboratory surveillance system is also in place to detect any future epidemic risks in the country.
Though occasional spikes in respiratory illnesses, including influenza and COVID-19, are expected, the overall threat to the general public remains low.
Dr. Jasinghe urged special attention to high-risk groups such as the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and those with chronic conditions.
He also emphasized the continued importance of personal hygiene and respiratory etiquette, including regular hand washing and covering one’s mouth when sneezing or coughing.
The hospital system has been fully prepared to handle any potential outbreaks, the statement noted.
Finally, Dr. Jasinghe advised the public to rely only on officially released information, as health authorities remain vigilant in monitoring the evolving situation.
