The Ministry of Health says follow-up procedures have already commenced pertaining to the three individuals who were yesterday identified to have contracted the Omicron coronavirus variant.
Speaking during a media briefing held at the Health Promotion Bureau today, Deputy Director General of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath said one of the new Omicron cases reported yesterday was a close associate of the first reported Omicron infection in the country.
He said the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health is conducting further investigations based on the laboratory report received yesterday.
The Deputy Director General said one of the other Omicron cases was a family member of an individual who came from abroad, who underwent a PCR test after having breathing difficulties, where the sample was sent for genome sequencing.
Dr. Herath said the third individual was identified through a PCR test done at the departure terminal at the Bandaranaike International Airport.
He said the individual was not allowed to leave the country and is currently undergoing treatment.
Responding to media as to whether the country would have to be locked down due to the current situation, he said imposing a lockdown would not solve the pandemic situation.
The Deputy Director General urged the public to adhere to health guidelines and to only engage in essential social, spiritual, and economic activities.
He added all must work together to move forward as a country and not act irresponsibly.
Dr. Herath said they have not even considered imposing a lockdown at the moment.
