Avoid nonessential trips over the weekend: Health authorities

COLOMBO (News 1st); Health authorities are urging the public to avoid nonessential trips over the long weekend as COVID-19 infections being reported have recorded a steady rise.

The Deputy Director General of Health Services, Dr. Hemantha Herath responded to the question whether the OMICRON variant is at a community spreading rate or not, by stating that it cannot be confirmed exactly according to the definition of the term 'community spread', however, if the variant has reached that stage, the public should be careful in their conduct.

Meanwhile, member of the Central Committee, of the GMOA, Dr. Prasad Colombage states that at present, nobody seems to be following health guidelines, and except for wearing a mask, other health guidelines are not being followed at present, which would definitely result in a surge in COVID-19 cases in the upcoming months. 

Dr. Colombage further stated that the public should be made aware of the present situation and vaccination should be encouraged, in addition to ensuring that everyone follows health guidelines. 

Health officials say that those infected with the OMICRON variant have far fewer symptoms than the Delta variant.

What are the symptoms of the Omicron variant?

According to clinical data,

* Headache

* Cold

* Sore throat

* Shortness of breath

* Fever

* Symptoms of pneumonia