22 January 2022 06:55 pm
A total of 75 more cases of Omicron COVID variant have been detected from 78 samples in Sri Lanka.
According to Dr Chandima Jeewandara from Sri Jayewardenepura University, these cases were confirmed in the genetic sequencing carried out in their labs.
“These 78 samples were sequenced from the 1st 2nd and 3rd weeks of January from the community.” Dr Jeewandara said.
Accordingly, these new cases bring total cases of Omicron so far detected in the country to 283.
In addition, the 78 Omicron cases include a mix of the two main Omicron lineages BA.1 and BA.2.
Accordingly, 56 cases of BA.1 were detected in Colombo, Avissawella, Borelesgamuwa, Homagama, Katugoda, Kosgama, Madapatha, Padukka, Parakudawa and Wellampitiya while 12 cases of BA.2 were detected in Avissawella, Badulla, Colombo, Galle, Kolonnawala, Mt Lavinia, Nugegoda, and from one passenger from India.
Also, seven cases of B.1.1.529 Omicron were detected in Angoda, Colombo, Ruwanwella, Mt Lavinia, Nugegoda and Padukka. (Sheain Fernandopulle)