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Omicron sub-lineage found in community: PHIs

28 Jul 2022

BY Dinitha Rathnayake  A sub-lineage of the Covid-19 Omicron variant is found among the community, according to the Public Health Inspectors’ (PHIs) Union. Speaking to The Morning, PHIs Union Secretary S.I. Bopitiya said that Covid-19 related awareness programmes have also been commenced islandwide due to a minor increase in the number of Covid-19 patients who have been detected. “People who have not received the Covid-19 vaccines are advised to go to the nearest vaccine centre while if someone has a fever for more than two days, they are also advised to take an antigen test. If they are positive, it is also advised to stay at home; however, people who have serious symptoms can go to the hospital for further treatment.” Five Covid-19 deaths were reported on Monday (25), according to the Government Information Department. In a statement issued in this regard, the department stated that five people over the age of 60 years have passed away due to the virus. Moreover, 119 Covid-19 cases were reported on Monday, the department added. This brings the total number of confirmed cases reported from Sri Lanka to 665,094. In this backdrop, the health authorities have urged the public to wear face masks as much as possible and to abide by the health guidelines. There has been a minor increase in the number of Covid-19 patients detected within the Western Province and other provinces, according to the Health Ministry Director of Medical Technical Services and Chief Co-ordinator for Covid-19 Dr. Anwar Hamdani. Speaking to the media on Monday (24), he said that the people should once again start following the health guidelines that they used to follow before, emphasising that it is mandatory to wear face masks, maintain social distancing, limit unnecessary movements and to minimise gatherings. In addition, he mentioned that wearing a face mask not only helps prevent Covid-19 but also other respiratory diseases. The fourth dose of Covid-19 vaccines is recommended to be obtained as soon as possible, as the Health Ministry has enough vaccine stocks, he said, adding that people with chronic diseases, aged over 60 years should be more concerned about vaccination, as they are prone to complications due to this condition. He also pointed out that this detection of Omicron can be referred to as a sub-lineage of the Omicron variant, adding that it has a rapid response. Dr. Hamdani, who mentioned that the situation in Sri Lanka is yet at a controllable level, also said that there is a slight increase in the number of deaths reported per day. He further stated that it is the responsibility of everyone regarding whether a new wave of Covid-19 is created within the country in the current situation or whether it is controlled at this time. Meanwhile, the monkeypox virus is also spreading in other countries, while patients are also being reported from countries as close as India, he added. “In addition to Covid-19, the dengue virus is also spreading rapidly. At the same time, common viruses such as the flu are also spreading.” “Fulfil your duty with the proper health guidelines in the same way. Be concerned about obtaining the Covid-19 vaccine if you haven’t been vaccinated.” Speaking to The Morning, The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka President M. Shanthikumar said that they are only following the same guidelines issued before and noted that the Ministry of Health has not issued any new guidelines.  


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