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Authorities undecided on Omicron and Delta ‘super variant’s’ occurrence 

23 Dec 2021

BY Buddhika Samaraweera  In response to reports that there is a potential for a person to develop a superior Covid-19 variant if they become infected with the Omicron (B.1.1.529) and Delta (B.1.617.2) severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus two (SARS-CoV-2) variants simultaneously, the Ministry of Health has said that it cannot confirm nor deny the occurrence of such a superior variant, The Morning learnt. Speaking to the media on Sunday (19), paediatrician Dr. Channa de Silva said that the scientists suspect that the simultaneous infection of both the Omicron and Delta strains of Covid-19 could lead to the emergence of a superior variant. Accordingly, when contacted by The Morning on Wednesday (22) to inquire about the possibility of such a superior variant emerging, Ministry of Health Communications Director, Public Health Services Deputy Director General, and Disaster Preparedness and Response Division Head Dr. Hemantha Herath said: “There are certain theoretical possibilities. Even though there are reports of a superior variant, it is very difficult for us to say whether it really happens or not.”  Noting that it is difficult for the Ministry of Health as a responsible institution to express a definite opinion in this regard, Dr. Herath said, however, that it has not been scientifically proven that such conditions occur. Explaining further, he observed: “If there is a tall building and there is a strong gust of wind, one can tell that it is going to collapse, but we can neither accept nor deny it. This is also such a theoretical probability.”  He also said that instead of looking for the creation of certain variants and superior variants, everyone should act responsibly and follow the Covid-19-related health guidelines. “None of these variants come with a label. We prevent this disease by dealing with it as Covid-19. So, if the health guidelines are followed properly, no matter which superior variant emerges, there will be no problem.”  Speaking further at the same media briefing, Dr. de Silva said: “Scientists suspect that the simultaneous infection of both the Omicron and Delta strains could lead to the emergence of a superior variant, so it is not clear how the spread of Covid-19 would be in the future.” However, noting that Covid-19 spreads through the respiratory system, he said that the spread of the virus could be prevented by adhering to the basic health guidelines.


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