Stick to existing preventive measures instead of worrying about Omicron, says Prof. Malavige

By Ifham Nizam

Sri Lankans should not worry about the new COVID-19 variant Omicron but instead should continue with immunisation, and those already double jabbed should go for the booster dose, as that would certainly minimise fatalities and hospitilisations, says prominent Sri Lankan scientist. At the same time people should follow strict health guidelines recommended by the World Health Organisation as they were of vital importance, a world renowned academic said yesterday.

Professor Neelika Malavige, Head of the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine of the Sri Jayewardenepura University, responding to queries, at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) organised Webnex, said according to the WHO and scientists worldwide, the new variant had been in existence for 30 days or so in several countries.

Prof. Malavige said there were no data anywhere about the new variant. “We know the spreading methods and what should be done,” she said, adding it would be difficult to stop a variant entering a country, but adopting preventive methods was the way out.

Health Ministry Secretary, Dr. S.H. Munasinghe said the government had spent to date (December 02) Rs. 113 billion for hospital needs/tests; medicine, research and vaccines.

He said the government’s expenses on importing COVID vaccines stood at Rs. 66.39 billion.

Responding to queries, the Health Secretary said the country was not in a position to go for another lockdown.

Deputy Director General of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath expressed concern about 700 newly infected people being reported a day.