COLOMBO (News 1st): The rate of COVID-19 patients and deaths have risen following the partial relaxation of travel restrictions, State Minister Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle said.

Whilst pointing out that the DELTA variant is spreading rapidly across the country, the State Minister urged the people to immediately get vaccinated against the virus.

“New COVID-19 variants could be created in the future that can cause critical complications, therefore it is of crucial importance that people follow health guidelines implemented to ensure the safety of everyone,” Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle, State Minister of Primary Health Care, Epidemics and COVID Disease Control stressed.

According to State Minister Dr. Fernandopulle, more than 500,000 people who received the 01st dose of the AstraZeneca jab will be administered the 02nd dose of the jab at the end of this month.

• Sri Lanka: Ad Hoc Bondholders welcomes OCC agreement; But calls for transparency
• Jerome Fernando remanded to 13th December
• 2022 A/L: Cut-off marks for university entry released
• Jerome Fernando arrested by CID
• COP28: Breakthrough deal on loss and damage fund