The Ministry of Health is preparing to import extra stocks of COVID-19 antigen test kits as a precautionary measure, amid growing concerns over a new global variant of the virus, Daily Mirror learns.
While current supplies of antigen kits are adequate for temporary use, the Ministry is taking proactive steps to strengthen preparedness with additional imports as a contingency plan.
Secretary to the Ministry of Health, Dr. Anil Jasinghe, told the media that hospitals with testing capabilities have been placed on high alert. Medical facilities have also been advised to increase surveillance of patients showing fever or flu-like symptoms, particularly in high-risk areas.
The Ministry emphasizes early detection and rapid response, especially in the event of any sudden increase in cases.
Medical experts, however, urge the public not to panic. “COVID-19 has now become another manageable respiratory illness,” one official stated. “We are treating it using the same protocols applied to other seasonal diseases. There is no need for fear, only continued vigilance.”
Dr. Jasinghe also ruled out any immediate plans for travel or social restrictions, assuring that the situation is being closely monitored and managed through existing healthcare protocols.
In a related development, Dr. Jasinghe has instructed Western Province Deputy Chief Secretary B.N. Damminda Kumara to reconsider a recent circular directing heads of all government institutions to advise employees to wear face masks as a precaution against the potential spread of Influenza and COVID-19. The Secretary clarified that there is no special need for mandatory mask-wearing among government employees at this time.
Meanwhile, several areas across the country are experiencing a shortage of face masks due to rising public demand following reports about the new variant. Pharmacies and medical supply stores in Colombo and other major cities have reported a significant surge in purchases over the past few days.
Source – dailymirror.lk
