Professor Chandima Jivandara, the director of the Institute of Allergy Immunology and Cell Biology at the University of Sri Jayawardenepura, has announced that genetic analysis of the Omicron variant JN.1 Covid virus will commence in the first week of January.
Samples received from patients for research activities at the Institute of Biosciences will be tested, and Professor Jivandara mentioned that he will undertake the testing only if a request is made by the Ministry of Health.
The genetic analysis test is expected to accurately identify the specific type of Covid virus currently spreading in the country, including its Omicron variant. However, Professor Jivandara cautioned against undue fear of the Omicron virus, emphasizing that it is considered the least harmful among the variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
