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.