Minister of Health and Mass Media Nalinda Jayatissa says the Government is closely monitoring the spread of a new COVID-19 variant emerging in several countries, including neighbouring India.

Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing today (27), Jayatissa confirmed that while there is no critical outbreak in Sri Lanka, precautionary measures particularly at airports are already in place.

He stated that health and airport authorities have been alerted and are actively screening arrivals to reduce the risk of the virus entering the country.

The comments come amid rising regional concern, as Indian media recently reported over 1,000 new cases and 4 deaths linked to the new variant.