The first case of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus has been detected in Sri Lanka.
When inquired by NewsRadio Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Samitha Ginige confirmed the development.
Accordingly, a Sri Lankan who arrived from South Africa was identified as infected with the Omicron variant.
Dr. Samitha Ginige said the World Health Organization declared the Omicron variant as a new variant of the virus on the 26th of November.
He said on the same day steps were taken to suspend the arrival of persons from six South African countries including South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Eswatini.
He noted additionally data pertaining to persons who arrived from the relavant countries within the past month were collected in the surveillance system.
Dr. Ginige stated the health situation of such persons is being assessed and they are being subject to PCR and rapid antigen tests.
He added no individual of the group had returned a positive test result thus far.
He further said samples obtained from persons who returned positive results upon arrival were also sent to the University of Sri Jayewardenepura for genome sequencing.
He stressed the individual who arrived from South Africa was identified as infected with the Omicron variant through one such test.
The Chief Epidemiologist said all necessary steps were taken adding the relavant indiviudal is in quarantine, and therefore will not impact the community.
He stated the relavant individual’s family members and other contacts will be directed to quarantine, while samples will be obtained from them to determine if they are infected.
Meanwhile Dr. Samitha Ginige said there is no reason to create undue fear over the Omicron variant entering the country.
He added with globalization the new variant entering the country is not surprising.
Dr. Ginige requested the public to adhere to health guidelines in a stringent manner and urged persons who are not vaccinated thus far to obtain the vaccine promptly.
He also requested persons who have only obtained one vaccine to obtain both vaccines, and persons who have received both doses, specially those aged over 60 years and those with low immunity, to obtain the booster dose of the vaccine, in line with the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health.
