Urgent antigen kits to be imported

• Ministry questions circular on wearing masks
• A shortage of masks in the market

Colombo, June 5 (Daily Mirror) - The Ministry of Health is set to import additional stocks of COVID-19 antigen test kits as a precautionary measure amidst growing concerns over a new global variant of the virus, Daily Mirror learns.

While health officials confirm that there is currently an adequate supply of antigen kits for use on a temporary basis, the Ministry is importing more as a contingency plan.
This move comes in light of the increasing emphasis on preparedness, even though the severity of the new variant remains low.
Speaking to the media, Secretary to the Ministry of Health, Dr. Anil Jasinghe recently said that hospitals equipped with testing facilities have been placed on high alert.
Hospitals have also been advised to enhance the surveillance of patients presenting with fever or other flu-like symptoms, especially in high-risk areas.
The Ministry is focused on early detection and rapid response, especially in the event of a sudden spike in cases.
However, medical experts have urged the public not to panic. “COVID-19 has now become another manageable respiratory illness,” one official said. “We’re treating it with the same protocols used for other seasonal diseases. There is no need for fear, just continued vigilance.”
Dr. Jasinghe also ruled out the immediate imposition of travel or social restrictions, saying the situation is being closely monitored and managed through existing healthcare protocols.
Meanwhile, the Secretary to the Health Ministry Dr. Jasinghe has in instructed Western Province Deputy Chief Secretary B.N. Damminda Kumara to reconsider the circular issued by him, directing heads of all government institutions to advise their employees to wear face masks as a precautionary measure against the potential spread of Influenza and COVID-19.
The Secretary said in a statement that there is no special need to direct government institution employees to wear masks.
Meanwhile, a shortage of face masks has been reported in several parts of the country, as public demand rises following reports of the new variant. Pharmacies and medical supply stores in Colombo and other major cities have seen a spike in purchases over the past few days.