FAQ - COVID 19

  •  Is COVID-19 Still a Pandemic?

No, COVID-19 is no longer classified as a global pandemic.

In May 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the end of COVID-19's global pandemic status. Since then, COVID-19 has been managed as an endemic disease, meaning it now circulates like other common respiratory illnesses, such as seasonal flu.

  • What are the current variants of COVID-19?

As of June 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) continue to monitor several SARS-CoV-2 variants, categorized by their genetic characteristics and potential impact on public health.

One such Variant of Interest is JN.1, a subvariant of the Omicron strain derived from the BA.2.86 lineage, also known as Pirola. First identified in Luxembourg in 2023, JN.1 contains mutations in the spike protein that contribute to increased transmissibility. This variant has since been detected in multiple Indian states, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Gujarat, Karnataka, Delhi, and Maharashtra. Importantly, no reports of severe illness or serious disease associated with JN.1 have been documented so far.

According to genomic sequencing conducted by the Medical Research Institute (MRI) in May 2025, JN.1 is currently the circulating strain in Sri Lanka.

  • What are the Symptoms of COVID-19 Variant?

Symptoms of the COVID-19 variant can vary from person to person. While many signs are similar to those seen with previous Omicron subvariants, some new symptoms have also been reported.

  • Common Signs & Symptoms include:

Cough

Fatigue

Headache

Nausea and vomiting

Diarrhea

Fever

Breathing difficulties

Runny or blocked nose

Loss of smell and taste

Muscle aches

It’s important to monitor for these symptoms and seek medical advice if they worsen or persist.

  • How severe are they

The currently circulating COVID-19 variants, appear to be more transmissible due to genetic mutations. However, current evidence does not indicate an increase in disease severity. Most reported cases involve mild to moderate symptoms, and there has been no significant rise in hospitalizations or deaths linked to these variants. Additionally, existing immunity from vaccines or past infections continues to provide strong protection against severe illness.

  • Who is at Risk of Severe Disease?

Certain groups are at higher risk of developing severe illness from respiratory viruses like COVID-19. These include:

Older adults, whose immune systems may be weaker and who are more likely to have chronic conditions. 

Young children, who have developing immune systems and smaller airways. 

People with weakened immune systems, may not respond as strongly to vaccines and may take longer to recover. 

People with disabilities, who may have underlying health issues or live in shared settings, increase their  risk.

Pregnant and recently pregnant women, who experience changes in immunity and organ function, making them more vulnerable. 


These individuals should follow tailored guidance for vaccination, treatment, and preventive measures.


  •  Should I wear a face mask to protect against COVID-19?

The use of a medical mask is advised if you have respiratory symptoms (coughing or sneezing) to protect others, or if you are caring for someone who may have COVID-19.

If masks are worn, they must be used and disposed of properly to ensure their effectiveness and to avoid any increased risk of transmitting the virus. Disposable face masks should only be used once.

The use of a mask alone is not enough to stop infections and must be combined with frequent hand washing, covering sneezes and coughs, and avoiding close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms (coughing, sneezing, fever).

  • What Is the Risk of COVID-19 During Pregnancy?

Pregnant and recently pregnant women are at higher risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses, including COVID-19. This is due to changes in the immune system, heart, and lungs that occur during pregnancy, which can make them more vulnerable to complications. Special treatment considerations may also apply to ensure the health and safety of both mother and child.

  • Is My Previous COVID-19 Vaccination Still Effective?

Current evidence suggests that previous COVID-19 vaccination protects in the short to medium term, particularly against severe illness and hospitalization. However, long-term effectiveness is still being studied as the virus continues to evolve.

  • What Are the Preventive Measures One Should Follow?

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections, follow these simple but effective measures:

·       Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

·       Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze.

·       Wear a mask if you have symptoms such as cough, sore throat, or fever.

·       Seek medical care promptly if you experience difficulty breathing to prevent complications.

  • What Can I Do If I Have Symptoms?

If you develop symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, or fatigue:

·       Adequate rest to protect yourself and others.

·       Avoid contact with vulnerable individuals, such as older adults or those with chronic illnesses.

·       Wear a mask if you need to be around others.

·       Monitor your symptoms, and seek medical care if you experience difficulty breathing or if symptoms worsen.

  • What Does "Improving Symptoms" or "Symptoms Are Getting Better" Mean?

This refers to a stage in recovery when a person starts to feel better and the body is returning to normal after a respiratory virus infection. It helps guide decisions about resuming daily activities, work, or school.

Some symptoms—such as a lingering cough—may continue even after the person is no longer infectious. However, the key indicator is overall improvement in health. The absence of a fever is particularly important, as people are generally more contagious when they have a fever.

  • How to prevent COVID-19?

Members of the public are also advised to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene at all times for personal protection against infection and prevention of the spread of the disease in the community:

Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose before washing hands;

Perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching one's mouth, nose or eyes; before eating; after using the toilet; after touching public installations such as handrails or door knobs; or when hands are contaminated by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing;

Cover your mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissues into a lidded rubbish bin, then wash hands thoroughly;

Wash hands with liquid soap and water, and rub for at least 20 seconds. Then rinse with water and dry with a disposable paper towel or hand dryer. When the hands are cleaned, do not touch the water tap directly again (for example, use a paper towel to wrap the faucet before turning it off). If hand washing facilities are not available, or when hands are not visibly soiled, performing hand hygiene with 70 to 80% alcohol-based hand rub is also an effective alternative;

After using the toilet, put the toilet lid down before flushing to avoid spreading germs;

Maintain good indoor ventilation;

Build up good body resistance and maintain a healthy lifestyle. This can be achieved through a balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate rest.

  • Can I Continue My Day-to-Day Work?

You can resume your regular activities once your symptoms are improving and you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication. If you still have symptoms like a cough or mild fatigue, take precautions such as wearing a mask and practicing good hygiene to protect others. If symptoms worsen, consider consulting a healthcare provider before continuing normal routines.

  • What Are General Respiratory Etiquette and Hygienic Practices?

Good respiratory hygiene helps prevent the spread of respiratory viruses like COVID-19, influenza, and the common cold. Key practices include:

·       Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze.

·       Dispose of used tissues immediately in a closed bin.

·       Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching your face.

·       Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.

·       Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.

·       Wear a mask if you are experiencing respiratory symptoms or in crowded settings.

·       Keep your distance from others when you are feeling unwell.

  • There’s a lot of misinformation about COVID-19 online. What should I do?

There are a lot of myths and misinformation about COVID-19 being shared online. Get verified facts and advice from trusted sources like your family doctor, Medical Officer of Health (MOH), or Epidemiology Unit Ministry of Health (www.epid.gov.lk).

If you see content online that you believe to be false or misleading, you can help stop it from spreading by reporting it to the social media platform.