As concerns rise over the renewed spread of COVID-19, the Ministry of Health has announced that two official circulars will soon be released to address the situation. Health Ministry Secretary, Specialist Dr. Anil Jasinghe, confirmed that the documents are being prepared with urgency to clarify all current developments regarding COVID transmission and public safety measures.
According to Dr. Jasinghe, the circulars will be distinctly targeted one aimed at the general public and the other at health personnel. Each will include comprehensive guidelines relevant to its audience, such as public awareness protocols and updated technical information for healthcare workers.
While affirming that there is currently no cause for undue alarm, the Health Secretary urged the public to trust only verified information disseminated by the Ministry of Health and other authorized, professionally qualified spokespersons or institutions. He emphasized that misinformation and fear-mongering can hinder effective response measures.
Repeated attempts by journalists and media professionals to contact officials within the health ministry’s departments to gain further insights into the current COVID situation were unsuccessful. Many departments did not respond to phone calls or provide requested updates. In the absence of timely responses, Dr. Jasinghe himself has often stepped in to serve as the point of communication for matters related to COVID-19.
Acknowledging the communication gaps, Dr. Jasinghe noted that discussions have already taken place with the Epidemiology Department to establish a structured method for handling technical queries promptly. He also confirmed that steps are being taken to resolve existing issues in communication channels within the Ministry of Health.
Meanwhile, the Medical Research Institute (MRI) has verified that the new COVID variants currently spreading across the Asian region have also been detected in Sri Lanka. According to the MRI, subvariants of the Omicron strain, specifically LF.7 and XFG have been identified through biological samples collected from several hospitals around the country.
Despite the confirmation of these new subtypes, the MRI stressed that there is no immediate reason for panic. The findings suggest that while these variants are present, they do not currently indicate a significantly higher risk profile than previous strains.
Nonetheless, health authorities continue to underscore the importance of maintaining responsible hygiene practices. The public is strongly advised to resume the use of face masks, practice regular hand washing, and remain vigilant in crowded or poorly ventilated areas.
The Ministry’s proactive communication and the upcoming circulars are expected to fill the current information void and support both the public and health sector personnel in making informed decisions as the situation evolves.
