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Risk of new COVID strain entering country very high: Epidemiology chief

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12 January 2021 03:03 pm - 16     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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There is a possible risk of the new coronavirus strains found in Britain and South Africa could enter the country, as the borders are opened for foreigners, Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera said today.

“The research is underway to explore whether the new virus strain contains in the PCR samples taken from people who are coming into the country from overseas,” he said while addressing the media.

He also said though all flights from Britain are suspended, there is a possibility that the new virus strain could still enter the country.

“The new virus strain has spread to several other countries. Hence, we need to keep a close watch on the foreigners who are coming from such countries where the threat of new strain is on the rise,” Dr. Samaraweera added.  

Meanwhile, he said in a situation where hundreds of COVID-19 cases are being reported daily, there is a possibility of the virus spreading rapidly among schoolchildren.

Therefore, the schoolchildren should be advised to be extremely cautious during their stay at schools. They should ensure they minimize the sharing of goods with fellow children during this period as the risk of spread still prevails,” he emphasized.    

Dr. Samaraweera also said all pertinent action had been taken to ensure that Parliament is secured from COVID-19 in the wake of several MPs have been found COVID-19 positive. (Sheain Fernandopulle)


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  Comments - 16

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  • Michael Ranasinghe Tuesday, 12 January 2021 03:40 PM

    With due respect Doctor you should not be telling this to the public. Tell this to the God father of Ukraine.

    Siri Tuesday, 12 January 2021 03:44 PM

    Do you really need the Chief Epidemiologist to spell this out? Anyone following the news would know the new strain is also over 70% transmissible. The entry points to the country ought to be shut well and tight. Instead the government is planning to do just the opposite because.... they have lost their heads?

    joshua Tuesday, 12 January 2021 03:48 PM

    without muttering different things at different time, ensure that that airport is closed for tourism until vaccines are available.

    Selvakumar Tuesday, 12 January 2021 03:53 PM

    Still new coronavirus running some other countries, but still in sri Lanka same virus running hope it's control from vaccines !!!

    Selvakumar Tuesday, 12 January 2021 03:57 PM

    Health ministry not found the medical for virus, only the way have to wait for vaccines !!!

    Shiraz Kamal Tuesday, 12 January 2021 04:03 PM

    Ok ,Doctor we will take necessary steps

    Dee Tuesday, 12 January 2021 04:03 PM

    You step aside. Our 'Sar' and his brave 'forces' will control this!

    TN Tuesday, 12 January 2021 04:12 PM

    Opening of schools and then expecting school children to be cautious and not share food, pencils etc with their friends, is basically expecting children to behave in a way, no child has ever behaved in the history of schooling.

    Citizen P Tuesday, 12 January 2021 04:31 PM

    No point of talking to media....talk to Ukraine tour operator

    Citizen P Tuesday, 12 January 2021 04:31 PM

    No point of talking to media....talk to Ukraine tour operator

    Arith Tuesday, 12 January 2021 04:57 PM

    Thank you "ස"

    Samson Tuesday, 12 January 2021 05:43 PM

    Doctor you must not talk out of turn and loose your job.

    Manage sri Tuesday, 12 January 2021 06:12 PM

    Donot try to fool the public.you and Paviththira vanniarrachchi resign your post immediately. If you do so then corona willbe eliminated at once.

    Wayne Taylor Tuesday, 12 January 2021 08:30 PM

    India has resumed flights from U.K

    GGT Tuesday, 12 January 2021 11:45 PM

    No any precautionary measures work well, as the CORONA VIRUS

    Ali Wednesday, 13 January 2021 12:07 AM

    Please send this minister to Maldives for some cross training. Because of these selfish politicians Sri Lanka is going backwards. Look at UAE, Maldives people are living in a normal life


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