News
Take measures to prevent infections – WHO
WHO MEDIA ADVISORY
Due to its rapidly increasing spread, WHO is classifying the variant JN.1 as a separate variant of interest (VOI) from the parent lineage BA.2.86. It was previously classified as VOI as part of BA.2.86 sublineages.
Based on the available evidence, the additional global public health risk posed by JN.1 is currently evaluated as low. Despite this, with the onset of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, JN.1 could increase the burden of respiratory infections in many countries.
WHO is continuously monitoring the evidence and will update the JN.1 risk evaluation as needed.
LINK: Read the risk evaluation: https://www.who.
Current vaccines continue to protect against severe disease and death from JN.1 and other circulating variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
COVID-19 is not the only respiratory disease circulating. Influenza, RSV and common childhood pneumonia are on the rise.
WHO advises people to take measures to prevent infections and severe disease using all available tools. These include:
-Wear a mask when in crowded, enclosed, or poorly ventilated areas, and keep a safe distance from others, as feasible
-Practice respiratory etiquette – covering coughs and sneezes
-Clean your hands regularly
-Stay up to date with vaccinations against COVID-19 and influenza, especially if you are at high risk for severe disease
-Stay home if you are sick
-Get tested if you have symptoms, or if you might have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or influenza
News
First Friends Campus provides essential school supplies to students of Peradeniya Junior School
First Friends Campus, Kandy, came forward on Wednesday (21) to provide essential school supplies and stationery to students of Peradeniya Junior School who were affected by the recent devastating floods.
The donation program saw 100 students receiving school equipment to help them resume their studies. Following the distribution, the students and staff members gathered for a group photograph to commemorate the occasion.
The event was attended by the Managing Director of First Friends Campus, Rohan Wijeratne, along with the Principal of Peradeniya Junior School, P.S. Samarasinghe , and the Head of its Primary Section, L.K. Wanninayaka. Members of the academic staff from First Friends Campus and students were also present at the ceremony.
By S.K. Samaranayake ✍️
The Next English Dhamma Panel Discussion of the Colombo YMBA will be held on Sunday 25th January 2026 from 9.30 am to 11.05 am in the Conference Room of the Association at the Third Floor of its Borella Building. Facility available to participate via zoom.
Subject – The Characteristics of Existence”
Part I – Anicca (Impermanence)
The Panelists are – Venerable Suriyawewa Wijayawimala Thero and Consultant General Physician Dr. Randula Samarasinghe. The Moderator of the Discussion is Ranjan de Silva Hon. Treasurer of the Colombo YMBA. Please join through zoom with the under mentioned zoom ID or contact the following phone numbers [0112-695786]
Join through zoom –
Meeting Id – 83967083997
Pass code – 333444
All are Welcome
Government doctors’ annual transfers would resume from the first week of February 2026, Health Minister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa told Parliament yesterday, noting that the process had not been properly implemented since 2013.
The Minister said so while responding to a question by Trincomalee District NPP MP Roshan Akmeemana, who said the lack of regular transfers had created shortages of doctors in rural hospitals. He also pointed out that doctors were currently assigned only as replacements.
“These doctors assigned as replacements stay for only a year. Under annual transfers, doctors should be posted to a hospital for at least five years,” Dr Jayatissa said.
The Minister said that the upcoming transfers would include all pending assignments and assured that the shortage of doctors in rural hospitals will be addressed once the annual transfer system is implemented.
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