Sri Lanka, June 5 -- The Ministry of Health is set to import additional stocks of COVID-19 antigen test kits as a precautionary measure amidst growing concerns over a new global variant of the virus, Daily Mirror learns.

While health officials confirm that there is currently an adequate supply of antigen kits for use on a temporary basis, the Ministry is importing more as a contingency plan.

This move comes in light of the increasing emphasis on preparedness, even though the severity of the new variant remains low.

Speaking to the media, Secretary to the Ministry of Health, Dr. Anil Jasinghe recently said that hospitals equipped with testing facilities have been placed on high alert.

Hospitals have also been advised to enhance the su...