In terms of any reported deaths in association with the Delta variant, Dr. Herath was unable to confirm an exact number. However, we cannot rule out that any deaths have been caused by the Delta variant, as current evidence is good enough to suggest that deaths due to Delta variant infections have occurred. At least 20% of cases reported in Colombo are due to the Delta variant. He reiterated that at this juncture, the presence of the Delta variant has been acknowledged, and that therefore, maximum control actions must be taken. When questioned as to whether the recent Delta variant infections translate to community transmission, Dr. Herath claimed that this is not the case.

Source: The Nation July 24, 2021 16:52 UTC