NEW COVID-19 VARIANT HAS HIGH TRANSMISSIBILITY ; STUDY

Colombo (News 1st); A recent study has revealed that the transmissibility of the new variant of the coronavirus discovered in Sri Lanka is higher than the previous strain.

The study was carried out by researchers attached to the University of Sri Jayawardenapura.

Chandima Jeewandara, the Director of the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine of the University of Sri Jayawardenapura speaking to News 1st said when a virus mutates it is considered as a variant.

He said the COVID-19 variant spreading in the UK was discovered in Sri Lanka in a recent study and there are multiple mutations in the variant.

All necessary precautionary measures were taken to ensure the new variant does not spread in Sri Lanka said Jeewandara adding failure to follow the health guidelines would result in the spread of the COVID-19.

State Minister of Primary Health Care, Epidemics and COVID Disease Control (Dr.) Sudarshini Fernandopulle speaking to News 1st said all control measures are in place to prevent the spread of the new COVID-19 variant.

She said the health sector and experts are paying close attention to the situation as the variant could mutate as well.