COLOMBO (News 1st): The DELTA variant of the COVID-19 virus could be the dominant strain in Sri Lanka at present, the University of Sri Jayawardenapura stated. A study has been re-launched to analyze and determine the variants that are currently spreading; the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine is able to determine any strain of the COVID-19 virus by conducting analysis of samples, Dr. Chandima Jeewandara, the Director of the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine of the University of Sri Jayawardenapura told News 1st on Wednesday (Aug. 04). According to Dr. Jeewandara, the report of the complete analysis is expected to be submitted to the Director-General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health by this weekend. Dr. Chandima Jeewandara urged people to avoid travelling for non-essential purposes, maintain the 06-feet distance, wear a face mask, wash hands, ensure proper ventilation and obtain the COVID-19 jab as soon as possible. Whilst pointing out that the vaccines may not provide 100% immunity given the high-transmissibility of the DELTA variant, Dr. Chandima Jeewandara emphasized the risk could be still minimized.

Source: The Nation August 04, 2021 02:48 UTC