Spread of Omicron in SL

Here are the highlights of Friday’s media briefing at the Health Promotion Bureau (HPB): HPB Director Dr. Ranjith Batuwanthudawe –

The latest sequencing done by the Sri Jayewardenepura University this week indicates that around 23% of the total number of samples is infected by Omicron. This indicates a spread of Omicron in the country. There are also several illnesses with fever-like symptoms these days. It is important for people to get the booster. There are queries on how to update the vaccination card. Contact the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) office in your area. When you get the new vaccination certificate, discard the previous one to prevent confusion.

Consultant Physician Dr. Upul Dissanayake of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL) –

There are more dengue patients than COVID patients. If someone gets fever, it could be either disease. We see certain side- effects including headaches after the booster. If muscle pain, fatigue or headache become severe, it could be that the person who took the booster is actually having dengue, as these are common symptoms of dengue. Seek medical attention to check whether it is dengue, another illness or a side-effect of the booster. With the hope that there will not be a resurgence of another COVID-19 wave after 31st night, the plea is for people to enjoy the dawn of the New Year while maintaining social distancing.

The Health Ministry’s Head of the Division of Disaster Preparedness and Response, Dr. Hemantha Herath –

Public gatherings could lead to a spread of COVID-19. As such, it is vital to maintain social distancing and adhere to health guidelines. We have lifted restrictions to continue socio-economic activities and we urge the public to keep to preventive measures. To queries about what advice public and private sector offices should follow if having New Year celebrations – adhere to health guidelines, do not gather in small rooms and when consuming food, at which time the masks have to be removed, do so in an airy and spacious environment.