The Ministry of Health in Sri Lanka addressed the current situation regarding the new COVID-19 sub-strain, JN-1, stating that the pandemic spread of this variant within the country is minimal.
Based on available data and tests conducted over the past few months, the Ministry reported a very low number of COVID-19 cases.
To ensure comprehensive monitoring, health officials have taken proactive measures by collecting samples from main hospitals across the island. These samples, obtained in accordance with technical instructions, were sent to the Medical Research Institute for testing. Encouragingly, none of the samples tested positive for COVID-19.
The Ministry of Health emphasized preventive measures in its statement, echoing expert advice. It recommended the continued use of masks in closed, poorly ventilated, and crowded spaces, frequent handwashing, maintaining social distancing, and practicing proper cough and sneeze etiquette.
Special attention was drawn to the heightened risk faced by individuals over the age of 60 with chronic illnesses and pregnant mothers in case of respiratory diseases. Such individuals were urged to exercise extra caution.
Simultaneously, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a call to countries in South-East Asia, urging them to strengthen surveillance due to the rising cases of respiratory diseases, including COVID-19 and its new sub-variant JN.1, as well as influenza. WHO classified JN.1 as a variant of interest, noting its rapid global spread and increased prevalence in multiple countries in recent weeks. The organization further encouraged people to adopt protective measures to curb the transmission of these respiratory illnesses.
