New variants can enter the country at any time, warns Health DG

16 October 2021 02:51 pm - 20 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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There is always the possibility of new COVID-19 variants entering into the country, Director General of Health Services Dr Asela Gunawardane said.

“The country is now open for tourists and our harbours are back in operation. Hence, there is a risk of new variants entering into the country making things unpredictable” he told the media today.

Thus, Dr Gunawardane said it is imperative that people strictly follow health guidelines and practices despite being fully vaccinated.

“Everyone will have to toe the line if we are to break free from this pandemic and to iron out issues related to it,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, the Health DG pointed out that as of now, at least 67 percent of total population had received a single dose of any COVID vaccines while 58 percent had been administered both the doses.

“If we are to reach a satisfactory level, it is significant to vaccinate 70 to 80 percent of total population,” he added. (Sheain Fernandopulle)

Comments - 20

Farieze Saturday, 16 October 2021 04:15 PM

Lie

VJ Saturday, 16 October 2021 04:24 PM

I am sure the security minister will not allow that to happen.

T.H.J. Pieters Saturday, 16 October 2021 04:32 PM

Not necessarily from outside the country, independent Health Experts are claiming that new Covid variants would develop due to people being vaccinated within a country, because the virus will mutate seeking to evade the anti-viral drug targeting only 01 spike protein, while the Covid virus consists of 5 different proteins

Ruki Manage Saturday, 16 October 2021 04:38 PM

This Adelaide Gunawardane guy is nothing but a Rajapaksa crony. He is telling bogus predictions to suppress people from uprising against the government.

Kikazaru Saturday, 16 October 2021 05:24 PM

I watch BBC International and CNN International and there is no talk of new variants at the moment. The last new variant I heard was from the Clown from Sri Jayawardena University and that never was confirmed by any other institution.

sam Saturday, 16 October 2021 05:30 PM

You seem to be taking a risk with those coming from overseas while closing all doors for local peoples movements.

Sachi Kuhananthan, MD Saturday, 16 October 2021 05:35 PM

The pandemic is over due to herd immunity. No new waves or variants will appear. There is no need for masks, social distancing and vaccines. Please don't lie and scare the people.

Citizen Saturday, 16 October 2021 06:18 PM

DGHS says that new variants can enter the country.This is possible only through Tourists and others coming into the country. So why open the airport for Tourist ?

Dam Saturday, 16 October 2021 06:24 PM

Yes ... because this government needs to survive another 3 years ... it's quiet possible

Atog Liaf Saturday, 16 October 2021 08:21 PM

Yes from the parliamentarians who go gallivanting abroad and return

selvakumar Saturday, 16 October 2021 09:03 PM

It's corona vaccines will be control..., it's not a new ??

A Saturday, 16 October 2021 09:05 PM

Please keep quiet

KM Rafeek Saturday, 16 October 2021 10:08 PM

this has become joke, everybody talks about new variant, please understand we are human beings made of flesh and bones, not from iron, steel or wood, some will bear it some not, encourage the masses, do not discourage, frighten. from everyside it has become threatening to people

Gee Saturday, 16 October 2021 10:44 PM

Get over it

Alvis jayasinghe Saturday, 16 October 2021 11:18 PM

Individual mutant freak

Prophet of Doom Sunday, 17 October 2021 05:54 AM

With the Tourist Minister and his M.O. anything can happen and at the same time, can't the Health Guys give us any good news at all instead of announcing doom when they open their mouths???

Joe Sunday, 17 October 2021 09:54 AM

Meteorite could hit the country anytime too

Ranjith Sunday, 17 October 2021 10:56 AM

We have vaccinated over 20 more than 80% now what are you talking all countries over 80% is opening up is this another deal with government to suppress the people voice

Samson Sunday, 17 October 2021 03:47 PM

Knowing the risk why are borders open/

Uthey Monday, 18 October 2021 10:13 PM

Plans to reopen hotel quarantine? Earn millions from those coming from abroad?

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New variants can enter the country at any time, warns Health DG

Comments - 20

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