Wear a mask if you are unwell: Expert

People who feel unwell should wear a mask and practice  regular handwashing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, says a  leading health expert.  

Professor Chandima Jeewandara, an expert in Allergy,  Immunology and Molecular Medicine, shared this advice as a new COVID-19  variant, NB.1.8.1, is causing a rise in cases worldwide.

“This variant, a sublineage of Omicron, was first  identified in January 2025 and has since been found in many countries.  By mid-May, it accounted for about 10.7% of global COVID-19 cases.  NB.1.8.1 symptoms are similar to earlier COVID-19 strains, such as sore  throat, fever, mild cough, fatigue, muscle aches, and nasal congestion. A  new and more common symptom is hoarseness, which may help distinguish  it from other variants,” he said in an X post.  

Further, Professor Jeewandara said the new variant does not  seem to cause more severe illness than earlier strains. Most infections  are mild, especially in people who are vaccinated.  

“There is no need to be alarmed, but we must remain careful,” he said.   

“Wearing a mask when you’re sick, washing your hands often,  and following public health advice from the Ministry of Health are  simple but important steps to stay safe,” Jeewandara added.