New variants can enter the country at any time, warns Health DG

 

There is always the possibility of new COVID-19 variants entering into the country, Director General of Health Services Dr Asela Gunawardane said.

“The country is now open for tourists and our harbours are back in operation. Hence, there is a risk of new variants entering into the country making things unpredictable” he told the media today.

Thus, Dr Gunawardane said it is imperative that people strictly follow health guidelines and practices despite being fully vaccinated.

“Everyone will have to toe the line if we are to break free from this pandemic and to iron out issues related to it,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, the Health DG pointed out that as of now, at least 67 percent of total population had received a single dose of any COVID vaccines while 58 percent had been administered both the doses.

“If we are to reach a satisfactory level, it is significant to vaccinate 70 to 80 percent of total population,” he added