A new variant of Covid-19 virus (B.1.258 lineage) has been detected in Sri Lanka, says the Director of Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine of Sri Jayewardenepura University, Dr. Chandima Jeewandara. His remarks came during a special media briefing held at the university premises today (January 26). This Covid-19 variant is different from the strain previously identified in Sri Lanka, he said, noting that it has similar characteristics to the strain that swept across in Sweden, Germany, Denmark and Iceland. According to Dr. Jeewandara the Covid-19 variant found in Sri Lanka is highly transmissible, however it is distinct from the strain spreading in the United Kingdom and South Africa.

Source: The Nation January 26, 2021 11:48 UTC