COVID-19 is a global pandemic affecting almost all the countries in the world. Sri Lanka at present is witnessing a raging third wave of the pandemic, with an exponential rise in cases. Coronavirus disease, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is usually mild or moderate among children. However, severe disease and even mortality are reported in children as well. Children with co-morbidities and infants have shown a higher tendency to develop complications. In addition, a specific disease condition called Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), which is exclusively present in children, also adds to the morbidity and mortality in children.   

New knowledge on the management of patients with COVID-19 is ever-evolving. In line with the changing dynamics of the pandemic and profile of the affected children, the knowledge regarding the COVID-19 disease spectrum among children, complications, and management modalities among pediatricians of Sri Lanka is limited. It is essential to refine children’s care pathways with Covid19 with the addition of novel management options.

This document is prepared by the Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians, Family Health Bureau, and the WHO-Sri Lanka and intends to provide the latest management strategies for clinicians caring for children with or suspected COVID-19 infection.