Delta variant detected in Polgasowita, says MOH; Health Ministry unaware

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Kahathuduwa Medical Officer for Health (MOH) on Monday (28) said a person who tested for COVID-19 in Jayaliyagama, Polgasowita was classified as one with the Delta Variant.

'The patient with the Delta COVID variant was detected on Sunday (27). We mobilized immediately to commence contact tracing,' said Dr. Dhanuka Pathmaraja adding that over 100 random PCR tests were carried out in the area.

The locals were instructed to remain at home, he said.

However, the Health Ministry said it was unaware of the detection of a COVID patient with the Delta Variant from Polgasowita.

Deputy Director-General of Public Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath speaking to News 1st said the laboratory that carried out gene sequencing may have informed the MOH directly.

Earlier, 05 people tested positive for the Delta COVID variant from Dematagoda, and thereafter another case was detected from Madiwela.