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Probe into Delta’s unholy trinity

18 Aug 2021

  • Prof. Jayasumana reveals new mutations
  • J’pura Uni says it is only a ‘preliminary finding’
  • GMOA warns of grave threat towards year-end
BY Pamodi Waravita and Dinitha Rathnayake Investigations are being conducted into the three new mutations of the B.1.617.2 Indian Delta variant of Covid-19 identified in Sri Lanka, as it is only a “preliminary finding”, according to University of Sri Jayewardenepura Allergy Immunology and Cell Biology Unit Director Dr. Chandima Jeewandara. State Minister of Production, Supply, and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Prof. Channa Jayasumana revealed in Parliament yesterday (17) that the SA 222V, SA 701S, and SA 1078S mutations of the Delta variant were observed in Delta variant cases found in the country, caused by changes in the spike protein of the virus. “This variant can be one of the reasons for the rapid spread of infections in the country,” he speculated. Meanwhile, Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) Secretary Dr. Shenal Fernando, in a media release issued yesterday (17), stated that the biggest threat the country would face towards the end of this year would be the risk of a new and severe strain of the virus, which could surpass the immunity created by the ongoing vaccination drive. Thus, Dr. Fernando has also requested that healthcare workers be provided a booster shot or third dose of a Covid-19 vaccine as well. However, World Health Organisation (WHO) Head Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on 14 August called for a moratorium on booster shots. “Countries with high vaccine coverage are seeing a decoupling of Covid-19 cases and deaths, whereas countries that cannot access vaccines are seeing high cases driving steep rises in deaths. No one is safe until everyone is safe and that is why we need a moratorium on boosters,” he said. The WHO has stated that the Delta variant is at least two times as transmissible as the original virus. Sri Lanka is currently facing a severe spread of the Delta variant in all districts. The Health Promotion Bureau (HPB) said that 3,466 new cases and 167 deaths were reported on 16 August due to the virus.


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