Notable increase in COVID cases last week-Ministry

• School children identified as potential carriers of COVID-19 

By Sheain Fernandopulle 

A considerable rise in COVID-19 infections has been noticed in last week raising concerns about the spread of highly transmissible Omicron variant in the country. 

According to official data, 623, 653, 594, 611, 661, 690 cases have been reported respectively from last Tuesday (11) to Sunday (16). 

Commenting on the situation, Dr Malkanthi Galhena, Consultant Family Physician at the Ministry of Health said cases had been increased by over 1,000 in last week compared to previous weeks.  “Although the number of cases is on the rise, patients who are infected with the virus do not get complications due to vaccination,” she underscored.  “Thus, it’s imperative to get the vaccine in due time and also to abide by the health guidelines to keep the virus at bay,” she added.  Meanwhile, Dr Galhena said they had also identified school children as spreaders of COVID-19 who carry viruses to their families and eventually to the community.  Besides, the number of COVID related deaths remains at a lower rate compared to number of infections.  Health authorities have already predicted that cases to go up further due to the spread of Omicron. However, the situation can be brought under control with the booster dose.