UK Alpha COVID-19 variant detected in nine areas from Sri Lanka

10 June 2021 12:16 pm - 7 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The COVID-19 variant (Alpha) found in the UK has been detected from nine areas in Sri Lanka, Director of the Allergy, Immunity and Cell Biology Unit at the Sri Jayewardenepura University Dr. Chandima Jeewandara said today.

Accordingly, the B.1.1.7, UK variant (Alpha) has been identified from Colombo, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Kuliyaputiya, Wariyapola, Habaraduwa (Matara), Thissamaharama, Karapitiya, and Ragama.

Moreover, he said the Indian and Sri Lankan variants had also been detected in two areas.

"The B.1.617.2, the Indian variant of the virus (Delta) has been detected from a quarantine facility in Waskaduwa while the B.1.411, Sri Lankan lineage of COVID-19 has been reported from Thissamaharama," he underlined.

Dr Jeewandara said the relevant variants had been identified following the sequencing conducted by his team at the Sri Jayewardenepura University.

Meanwhile, Dr. Jeewandara said that healthcare workers attached to the Colombo National Hospital who were detected with the UK variant (Alpha) two weeks after receiving the second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine have recovered.

UK experts are of the opinion that the Delta coronavirus, first identified in India, is believed to be 60% more transmissible than the Alpha variant.(Sheain Fernandopulle)

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Comments - 7

Prash Thursday, 10 June 2021 12:38 PM

Cannot accept delta is only found in a quarantine centre as it was found in Melbourne in an arrival form Sri Lanka. Better be extra cautious than relying on these statements.

Kirchhoff Thursday, 10 June 2021 12:51 PM

Can we just make it simple and put then all together and call is the "Nandasena Variant"

Udaya Thursday, 10 June 2021 01:11 PM

Was AstraZeneca vaccine given to health care workers of NHSL expired?

Samson Thursday, 10 June 2021 01:12 PM

No one knows how many are sick at their homes in villages

ravin Thursday, 10 June 2021 01:53 PM

Thank you Doctor for informing general public the the existence of present pandemic variation in Sri Lanka. But we are so unlucky the few decision makers dose not understand gravity of the situation and keep the entry points to the island open.

johan Thursday, 10 June 2021 02:42 PM

Always we get some opening dose from these doctors

It began in China but when it infected the Indians it mutated and “Weponised” Thursday, 10 June 2021 05:54 PM

What has started to spread rapidly in Britain is the Indian Variant designated delta variant. So far of all the Variants it is the Indian Variant that is considered the most dangerous.

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UK Alpha COVID-19 variant detected in nine areas from Sri Lanka

Comments - 7

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