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Stop gatherings as Sri Lanka goes on alert over Delta Plus

21 October 2021 06:47 am - 21     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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  • UK, NEW ZEALAND, ISRAEL ALREADY FACING CASES OF DELTA PLUS
  • ALL INDOOR GATHERINGS SHOULD STOP AND OUTDOOR SPACES SHOULD NOT BE PACKED
  • VACCINATED PEOPLE NOW FORGETTING HEALTH GUIDELINES
  • HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU SAYS VACCINATED PEOPLE, IF INFECTED, MORE LIKELY TO GET VIRULENT COVID-19 VARIANTS LIKE DELTA PLUS

Sri Lanka’s health authorities yesterday warned that they had gone on alert over the mutated version of the Delta variant, known as the Delta Plus which was already spreading in countries such as the UK, New Zealand and Israel, infecting even those fully vaccinated.

So far, there is no indication that it is considerably more transmissible as a result of these changes, but it is something experts are studying The government having to concentrate on running the economy, doctors have urged people to get used to the new normal life If the vaccinated people are misbehaving, the virus will find a new ground to mutate, bypassing the vaccine

Despite repeated warnings by the Health officials, senior health experts said they were disappointed that a majority of the people, especially those who were vaccinated, were not adhering to health guidelines and had not adapted to the new normal.

In fact, health experts have warned people to stop all gatherings and parties, especially those held indoors and in small outdoor spaces, as other countries were already seeing fresh outbreaks from the mutated versions of the Delta variant.the Health Promotion Bureau (HPB) will today carry out a fresh campaign to educate the people over the dangers caused by the Delta Plus and remind people on the health guidelines that should not be ignored.

Director of the HPB Dr. Ranjith Batuwanthudawa told Daily Mirror that the Delta Plus had hit some countries with large populations who had stopped adhering to the health guidelines and this was a serious concern in Sri Lanka as well.“looking at our people’s behaviour, they are very irresponsible, thinking they are safe from the COVID-19 just because they have received both doses of the vaccines,”

Dr. Ranjith said. “Some of these variants are more common among the vaccinated people because that is the nature of this virus as it is trying to survive. Different variants are mutating, including the Delta which can possibly surpass the vaccine if they find a suitable breeding ground.

So if the vaccinated people are misbehaving, the virus will find a new ground to mutate, bypassing the vaccine.that is why countries that had a high vaccination percentage are now having a breakthrough of the Delta Plus. UK, New Zealand and even Israel,” Dr. Ranjith said.

He urged the public, especially those who were fully vaccinated to be even more vigilant and adhere to the guidelines which included wearing face masks, maintaining social distancing, and avoiding coming in contact with people in long durations. While some health experts said outdoors meetings could be conducted due to there being ventilation, Dr. Ranjith explained that even in the outdoor spaces, people’s presence should be limited. “If we have a small garden, which is also packed with two hours of partying and singing and if they are even one or two infected people, the chances are that the others will get infected too,” he said.

With the government having to concentrate on running the economy, doctors have urged people to get used to the new normal life.“the government cannot be putting laws to keep controlling the people, as they have been doing that for over one and a half years. People have to get used to it. People who booked hotels and went out this week are the people who can read and understand and know what is happening around the world,” Dr. Ranjith said.

According to studies, the AY.4.2, which some are calling the Delta Plus, contains mutations that might give the virus survival advantages.

Tests are under way to understand how much of a threat it may pose. The original Delta was classified as a variant of concern in the UK in May 2021 after overtaking the Alpha variant to become the dominant type of Covid in circulation, foreign media reports quoting studies said. But in July 2021 experts identified AY.4.2.

This offshoot or sublineage of Delta has been increasing slowly since then. It includes some new mutations affecting the spike protein, which the virus uses to penetrate people’s cells. So far, there is no indication that it is considerably more transmissible as a result of these changes, but it is something experts are studying. (JAMILA HUSAIN)


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  Comments - 21

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  • Kikazaru Thursday, 21 October 2021 07:01 AM

    Again a very profession clown. This is not new and was detected in June this yes. It is slightly more contagious than the Delta variant. It

    icare Thursday, 21 October 2021 07:01 AM

    Enter the Dragan! Ya that the next vareint!!! Keep scaring the public and do all the commis earning jilmart business under!!!! What such fool live there !!!!

    Seb Thursday, 21 October 2021 07:05 AM

    I'm mentally preparing for another 1 month lockdown...

    Sachi Kuhananthan, MD Thursday, 21 October 2021 07:12 AM

    Unnecessary alarm. There is herd immunity in Sri Lanka from natural infections. There is no chance for any wave from variants.

    Kanaga Jeyasuntharam Thursday, 21 October 2021 07:14 AM

    Then what is the use of getting vaccinated when many face severe side effects even after months. There are people who didn't want to get vab, observing health guidelines, staying safe and continue to enjoy their daily life.

    Selvakumar Thursday, 21 October 2021 07:18 AM

    It's every type of corona virus control from vaccines, but why the following different way !!!

    Banana Republic Thursday, 21 October 2021 07:52 AM

    I live in NZ and this is the first time I am hearing about the data plus variant here. I am guessing the NZ health board, informs their SL counterparts way before the NZ public.

    Bel-tar Thursday, 21 October 2021 08:33 AM

    Is Delta giving commissions?

    Sgt.Pepper Thursday, 21 October 2021 08:35 AM

    In other words don't do anything or go anywhere were there are more people then yourself

    Godayata Magic Thursday, 21 October 2021 09:09 AM

    Request the vaccinated to STAY AT HOME. Problem solved.

    Arumadhura Duminda Attanayake Thursday, 21 October 2021 09:36 AM

    And the schools are Starting :))

    Lal Thursday, 21 October 2021 09:54 AM

    Plan for petrol stocks for another month. Till the firm order

    Roy Thursday, 21 October 2021 09:54 AM

    This is humbug and only to frighten the Pe People. Our specialists doctors shame

    Roshanaly Thursday, 21 October 2021 10:53 AM

    Just see the public gathering at Nuwara Eliya for the Holiday. Police should be blamed for allowing them while the inter district travelling is banned..

    Samson Thursday, 21 October 2021 11:50 AM

    Without hitting at the public only curtail those visiting from overseas.

    Ranaweera Thursday, 21 October 2021 12:29 PM

    Those who regard these warnings as rubbish, will soon be meeting the dead .

    Mohan Thursday, 21 October 2021 01:04 PM

    Sounds like GSP plus. Shouldn't it be good?

    Ab Thursday, 21 October 2021 03:24 PM

    Pls publish responcibaly. Vaccinate and move on

    Saman Thursday, 21 October 2021 04:55 PM

    Lockdown Sri Lanka!

    C Fernando Thursday, 21 October 2021 06:32 PM

    If some people don’t want to heed health guidelines that’s fine. We have too many people in this small island. We need to get rid of the excess population.

    Gehan Monday, 25 October 2021 10:23 AM

    Possibly you too!


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