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.
