Omicron danger very real in SL, warns expert

by Pradeep Prasanna Samarakoon

With omicron galloping globally at a dizzying pace, the Health Ministry Thursday warned that the next few weeks will be decisive for Sri Lanka in coronavirus terms.

Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Samitha Ginige said that although the virus has been contained here currently, with the spread of the Omicron variant in several countries there is a distinct possibility of it coming here. Already seven Omicron cases have been detected in the country, he said.

Ginige, noting that people were traveling around the country during the holiday season, stressed it was essential they get their booster shots to mitigate the risk. If necessary health precautions are not taken and guidelines not followed, another outbreak was a strong possibility.