High risk of new South African variant entering Sri Lanka: Dr. Hemantha

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Deputy Director General of Health Services, Dr. Hemantha Herath said that there is a high risk of the newly identified South African strain of COVID-19 entering Sri Lanka as well.

He went on to note that if these variants are visible, they can be prevented from entering the Sri Lanka.

'There is no mechanism to identify the variant before it enters the country,' he said.

Variants can only be detected when we conduct tests on people, he added

Speaking to the media during a press conference held today (01), the Deputy Director General of Health Services said that only a small group of persons with chronic illnesses and other complexities over the age of 60 are left to be vaccinated, and that they should obtain their vaccine immediately.

Moreover, he emphasized that the Ministry of Health and all other relevant authorities are taking many steps to ensure that the data discrepancies are solved.

"In order to reopen the country with the existing risk, appropriate decisions and guidelines should be followed to control the disease. Therefore authorities in charge of each institution and industries should assist in controlling the pandemic situation by following proper health guidelines," He added.

He added that even if the country reopens, the existing risk can be reduced only by continuing to adopt health practices and expediting vaccinations.