Omicron cases rise in Sri Lanka

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) – The Ministry of Health says that 48 COVID-19 cases with the OMICRON variant of the virus have been detected in Sri Lanka so far.

The Director-General of Health Services, Dr. Asela Gunawardena said these cases were confirmed during tests conducted by the University of Sri Jayawardenapura from 12th to 23rd December.

According to Dr. Gunawardena, 177 samples of positive infections, with a majority of those collected at the arrival terminal of the Bandaranaike International Airport were tested in this manner.

Of these 177 samples, 41 were detected with the OMICRON variant of COVID-19.

Dr. Gunawardena said seven such cases were among those who had arrived in Sri Lanka from overseas.

Accordingly, alongside the seven OMICRON cases detected earlier, the total number of OMICRON infections of COVID-19 cases detected in Sri Lanka has risen to 48.