News

Risk of JN.1 Covid-19 epidemic, minimal – MoH

Published

1 year ago

December 26, 2023

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The Health Ministry had stated yesterday (Dec. 25) that the risk of an epidemic in Sri Lanka due to the new COVID-19 sub variant – JN.1, is minimal.

A statement by the MoH notes that the Medical Research Institute has been instructed to carry out genetic tests to assess the risk of the JN.1 sub variant spreading and accordingly the necessary research is being carried out.

“While current evidence suggests the additional public health risk posed by JN.1 is low, we must continue to track the evolution of these viruses to tailor our response,” the Ministry said.

In recent weeks, the JN.1 Covid-19 sub variant has been reported from several countries and the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that there is a tendency for this sub variant and other respiratory diseases including influenza to affect those regions, with the onset of winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

The MoH states that tests conducted in Sri Lanka over the last few months have shown COVID-19 cases are minimal.

Experts say that the chances of these respiratory diseases spreading can be greatly reduced by wearing masks in crowded places, washing hands frequently, maintaining distance, and maintaining cough and sneeze etiquette.

The MoH has further advised that people over the age of 60, people with chronic diseases, and pregnant women are at increased risk of complications if they suffer from respiratory diseases, so those people should be especially careful.

News

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

11 hours ago

May 31, 2025

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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

11 hours ago

May 31, 2025

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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.