News

WHO warns of rising Covid-19 activity in 3 global regions

Published

3 days ago

May 29, 2025

editor

The World Health Organization (WHO) yesterday (May 28) posted an outbreak notice about a rise in Covid-19 activity in three of its regions, driven by the new variant NB.1.8.1.

“Since mid-February 2025, according to data available from sentinel sites, global SARS-CoV-2 activity has been increasing, with the test positivity rate reaching 11%, levels that have not been observed since July 2024. This rise is primarily observed in countries in the Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia, and Western Pacific regions,” the notice has said.

“Continued monitoring is essential. WHO advises all Member States to continue applying a risk-based, integrated approach to managing Covid-19 as outlined in the Director-General’s Standing Recommendations,” it adds.

“WHO recommends that countries remain vigilant, adapt to evolving epidemiological trends, and leverage COVID-19 management strategies to strengthen systems for all respiratory disease threats. Member States should continue offering COVID-19 vaccines in line with WHO recommendations.”

“Based on the current risk assessment of this event, WHO advises against imposing travel or trade restrictions,” the report adds.

Foreign media reports indicate that the new Covid-19 variant is currently spreading rapidly in countries including China and India.

Amid the global threat of a new Covid-19 variant, the Health Ministry has ramped up PCR testing in some hospitals, which are now prepared to detect infections, said Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe.

Speaking at a media briefing yesterday, Dr. Anil Jasinghe said hospitals have been instructed to step up monitoring of patients with fever-related symptoms amid the global Covid-19 threat.

He also assured that while Sri Lanka is closely monitoring the resurgence of Covid-19 globally, there is no immediate need for new restrictions.

News

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

8 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Medical Research Institute of Sri Lanka has confirmed that the COVID-19 variant currently spreading in the Asian region has also been identified in the country.

Dr. Jude Jayamaha, a specialist in viral diseases at the Medical Research Institute, stated that patients infected with the Omicron subvariants LF.7 and XFG are being reported locally.

Dr. Jayamaha explained that this finding was confirmed through research conducted on biological samples collected from several hospitals across the island.

However, he emphasized that there is no need for undue fear regarding these COVID-19 variants.

Health authorities have also stressed the importance of vulnerable groups—such as pregnant mothers, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses—following health guidelines, including wearing face masks and avoiding crowded places.

Dr. Jayamaha reiterated that new COVID-19 variants emerge periodically, and health authorities are continuously monitoring the situation, so the public should remain calm.

(newswire.lk)

(This story, originally published by newswire.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Anudi misses out from Miss World Quarter-Finals

Published

9 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Miss World organization has announced its quarter-finalists, selecting 40 contestants from across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Sri Lanka’s Anudi Gunasekara, was not selected in the top 40, despite being recognized for her impressive performances in the Multimedia and Head-to-Head challenges.

The top 40 consisted of 10 contestants each from Asia & Oceania, Europe, Africa and the Americas.