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Indian Delta variant in Sri Lanka: Govenment to expedite vaccination 

26 Jun 2021

  • Strict public adherence to health guidelines reiterated 

  • Delta Plus not detected yet: Jayewardenepura University

  • Variant detection requires clinical tests: Health Ministry 

By Yumiko Perera   With the detection of the Indian B.1.617.2/Delta variant of Covid-19 in Sri Lanka, the authorities have put forth measures to expedite inoculation amongst the masses.  While several different variants of the virus, dubbed as Variants of Concern (VOC) by the World Health Organisation (WHO), have been detected across the island, the detection of the Delta variant in the community came as an eyeopener for several different reasons.  The Delta variant is said to be more transmissible than the coronavirus variants the country has seen before. It is what caused a massive spike in Covid cases in neighbouring India recently.  Moreover, the variant has since mutated into a newer strain – Delta Plus – which is said to be more transmissible than the Delta variant.  Speaking with The Sunday Morning, Sri Jayewardenepura University Allergy, Immunology, and Cell Biology Unit Director Dr. Chandima Jeewandara said: “The Delta variant is known to be more transmissible than the UK B.1.1.7 Alpha variant. However, the Alpha variant seems to be the most dominant strain of the coronavirus in Sri Lanka.”  Two people infected with the Delta variant were detected in quarantine centres earlier this month. However, with the recent detection of the Delta variant in the community, authorities further urged the public to remain extra cautious and to strictly adhere to the Covid-19-related health guidelines.  In reply to The Sunday Morning's query as to whether the Delta Plus variant has been detected in the island, Dr. Jeewandara explained that although it has not been detected so far, different types of variants can be detected across several countries, and therefore, more time would be required for research in order to confirm anything in this regard.  According to Health Ministry Communications Director, Public Health Services Deputy Director General, and Disaster Preparedness and Response Division Head Dr. Hemantha Herath, when Covid-19-positive patients are identified, it is not possible to immediately identify the variant they have been infected with, as clinical tests need to be conducted to determine that information.  Several attempts made by The Sunday Morning to contact State Minister of Primary Healthcare, Epidemics, and Covid-19 Disease Control Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle proved futile.       


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