New and More Potent Strain of Coronavirus Traced in Sri Lanka

Colombo- A new and more potent variant of the novel coronavirus has been detected in Sri Lanka, which has a dangerous potential to remain airborne for an hour and spreads very fast. 

Neelika Malavige, the head of the Department of Immunology and Molecular Sciences of the Sri Jayawardenapura University said this new variant is highly transmissible and can remain airborne for nearly an hour. She added by saying that it spreads at a very fast pace. 

"This variant of coronavirus is more highly transmissible than all found so far in the island. The new strain is airborne, the droplets can remain airborne for nearly an hour," said Ms. Malavige.  Read more

According to the health authorities, the spread of this deadly variant has accelerated after last week's New Year celebrations and is infecting younger people. 

"In the next two incubation periods, the disease can progress to a third wave," anticipates Public Health Inspector Upul Rohana. He added by saying that the real situation would come to light in the coming 2-3 weeks. 

The Health Ministry of Sri Lanka issued fresh COVID-19 guidelines which will stand till the 31st of May. 

A 50% capacity operation for most institutions has been imposed as per the guidelines to keep the spread of this deadly infectious disease at bay and all forms of festivities have been strictly prohibited. Read more

Sri Lanka, like many other countries, is facing a huge setback due to the alarming rise in the COVID-19 cases. So far, Sri Lanka has reported 99,691 cases and 638 cases of COVID-induced fatalities. 

"Previously the symptoms were not very apparent. Now, they are much more visible and young people are more likely to develop them," said Director-General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena adding that even though the hospitals have enough ICU capacity to treat COVID-19 patients, it is more important to follow the guidelines in order to prevent getting infected. 

Sri Lanka is amongst the other south Asian nations like India, Pakistan, and Indonesia to have given birth to new mutant strains of the novel coronavirus.  

Meanwhile, India once again shatters its own previous records as 3.46 Lakh Fresh COVID-19 Cases have been reported in the last 24 hours which takes the nation's total caseload to 1.66 crores. The number of active cases amounts to about 25.43 lakh. 2,624 new COVID-induced fatalities have been reported in the last 24 hours, the highest deaths recorded in a single day so far, taking the total tally of deaths to 1.89 lakh. Today marks the third consecutive day when more than 3 lakh cases have been recorded. Read more

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