No threat from new COVID-19 variant: Health Ministry

The Ministry of Health has reassured the public that there is no threat of a new COVID-19 variant spreading in Sri Lanka.

 

According to Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe, no new variant has been detected locally based on data from the Epidemiology Unit. 

 

“Surveillance and testing are ongoing across selected hospitals, and no significant rise in COVID-19 cases has been observed,” the Ministry added.

 

Recent media reports have noted rising infections in some Asian countries, but Dr. Jasinghe explained this could be due to reduced immunity and other factors, not necessarily a new variant. 

 

The Ministry confirmed that laboratory and respiratory surveillance systems are functioning actively to detect potential outbreaks early. 

 

“While minor increases in respiratory illnesses like influenza or COVID-19 may occur from time to time, the overall risk to the public remains low,” the Ministry added.