By Rathindra Kuruwita

None of the close associates of the gem businessman in Beruwala, who tested positive for the Omicron variant, had come forth to be tested, Deputy Director General of Health Services, Dr. Hemantha Herath said yesterday.

Dr. Herath said that after it had been revealed that the gem businessman had been afflicted with the Omicron variant, and when health officials, including PHIs, went there to test his close associates, but none had volunteered to undergo testing.

“If people continue to act like this, we will see a rapid spread in cases,” Dr. Herath said.

Responding to a question posed by a journalist, Dr. Herath said a clinic had been held recently in the Beruwala gem market to administer the booster shot. However, only a small number of people had used the opportunity, he said. The public enthusiasm for the booster shot was low, despite the fact that the government was providing the Pfizer vaccine, he said.

“We can’t force people to get vaccinated. If people don’t get vaccinated or follow health guidelines, the virus will spread. If things go bad, we will have to shut down the country again. If that happens the damage might be irrevocable and everyone will suffer,” he said.

Dr. Herath added that former Health Minister, Rajitha Senaratne, who had contracted COVID-19, was undergoing treatment at his home, under medical supervision.

The Deputy Director General of Health Services also denied allegations that they had reduced random testing. Earlier, a journalist asked how the COVID numbers in the country were low at a time when the numbers were at an all-time high in the world.

“We have not reduced the number of tests carried out. Omicron is here and if it spreads, we will know. Everyone will know. We won’t be able to hide it,” he said.