News

Health Ministry new criteria to tackle COVID-19

Published

4 years ago

2022/01/29

A health worker takes a nasal swab sample from a boy for COVID-19 test in Colombo, Sri Lanka, May 24, 2021. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua)

The Ministry of Health has updated the guidelines on laboratory testing strategy for COVID-19, integrated home-based isolation and management of asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic COVID-19 patients, discharge criteria from treatment facilities and Exit strategy for COVID-19 positive employees.

The Ministry states that a COVID-19 patient, admitted to a Treatment Facility, can be released from isolation after seven days, from the date of Rapid Antigen Test (RAT)/PCR positivity (or from the date of onset of symptoms), if he or she has improved from mild/moderate symptoms and is fever free for 48 hours without antipyretics. Exit PCR or RAT for such a person is now not required. The same criteria apply for a patient under the home care management system. Meanwhile a person who has shown mild / moderate symptoms of COVID or is having fever for more than 48 hours, should contact the Medical Officer of Health of the area for medical advice.

The Ministry also changed the guidelines for close contacts of COVID-19 Patients. The Ministry states that close contacts who are fully vaccinated need not quarantine if they do not have symptoms of COVID- 19. Such contacts can continue to work if employed. However, if they develop COVID- 19 symptoms, they should undergo a RAT/PCR test.

All partially vaccinated or unvaccinated close contacts can be released from home quarantine after seven days from the date of RAT/PCR positivity (or from the date of onset of symptoms) of the patient. If partially vaccinated or unvaccinated close contacts develop COVID-19 symptoms during the quarantine period, they should undergo a RAT/PCR test. If the test report is positive, they should inform area Medical Officer of Health (MOH).

The Ministry also defined who qualifies as a fully vaccinated person. For those above 20 the criteria are those who have taken two doses of a recommended COVID-19 vaccine and has completed two weeks after the second dose. Fully vaccinated status will be valid until three months from the second dose. A double jabbed person is not considered fully vaccinated after three months of the second dose. Such a person needs a booster dose to be considered fully vaccinated. If a person is infected with COVID-19 after being double jabbed, the booster dose can be administered after a month of infection provided the person has completed three months after the second dose. They should be considered as fully vaccinated with the booster dose.

A fully vaccinated child between 16 and 19 is one who has taken two doses and completed two weeks after the second dose. A fully vaccinated child between 12 — 15 years is one who has taken a single dose and completed two weeks after the single dose.

All News Advertisement

Latest News

Advisory for Severe Lightning issued for all provinces of Sri Lanka

Published

4 hours ago

2026/04/20

Priyan

Advisory for Severe Lightning
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 12.00 noon 20 April 2026 valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 20 April 2026

Thundershowers accompanied with severe lightning are likely to occur most places in the island after 1.00 p.m.

There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.

ACTION REQUIRED:

The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:

 Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.

 Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.

 Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.

 Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.

 Beware of fallen trees and power lines.

 For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.

News

Indian Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan meets Prime Minister

Published

5 hours ago

2026/04/20

Priyan

The Vice President of India, C.P. Radhakrishnan, who is currently on a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka, held a bilateral discussion with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Sunday (19) morning at Temple Trees.

Upon his arrival at Temple Trees, the Indian Vice President was received by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. The Prime Minister also extended her congratulations to C.P. Radhakrishnan on his appointment as the Vice President of India.

During the meeting, the Vice President noted that this is his first official visit to Sri Lanka and expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him during his stay.

The occasion was attended by the Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel; Members of Parliament Dr. K. Laxman and Dr. Medha Vishram Kulkarni; Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri; and the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, and representing the Government of Sri Lanka the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath; Minister of Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage; Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj; Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri; Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Harshana Suriyapperuma; Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa; and several other officials.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

Latest News

Heat Index at ‘Caution level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district

Published

17 hours ago

2026/04/20

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 19 April 2026, valid for 20 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern
and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.