There is a rapid increase in the number of COVID19 patients at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (IDH Hospital) due to the spread of the Omicron variant, said its Director Dr. Hasitha Attanayake.

The director of the hospital said that the oxygen requirement of the patients admitted to the intensive care units is also gradually increasing.

Meanwhile, State Minister Dr. Sudarshani Fernandopulle said the spread of COVID19 in the Gampaha District has increased significantly compared to other districts in the country.

Fernandopulle said that the number of COVID19 patients admitted to hospitals has increased by about 10 percent and the number of patients in need of oxygen has increased by about 8 percent.

She requested the public to continue to adhere to the health rules such as wearing masks and maintaining distance as the current situation seems "critical".