Detection of Indian variant: Health officials ask people not to panic

Regarding what has transpired in the aftermath of the detection of the Indian variant in Sri Lanka, Prof. Neelika Malavige of the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura said inoculation of any kind of COVID-19 vaccine is the key to get full protection from any variants of COVID-19 including the Delta, the Indian variant.

Addressing a press briefing at the Health Promotion Bureau, she said vaccination would prevent someone from getting into severe complications or death.

“It is also vital to strictly follow health guidelines such as wearing a mask properly, maintaining social distancing and washing hands regularly,” she said.

“The Delta variant is considered to be the most dangerous variant among all other hundreds of variants in the world. According to the World Health Organization, four variants such as Indian, South African, Brazilian and UK variants have been named as variants of concern due to their higher transmissibility,

However, strictly following health guidelines and receiving two doses of any vaccine can protect people from any variant,” Prof. Malavige underlined.

“Though one receives the COVID-19 vaccine, it does protect the relevant person but not others. Hence, it is much important to maintain the social distancing,” she emphasized.

Prof. Malavige proceeded to say that any variant of COVID-19 irrespective of it being Delta or Alpha, spreads in the same way, which means from a person's droplets or within a closed atmosphere.

She reiterated that adhering to the health practices is extremely crucial to get full protection from any variants of COVID-19.

Meanwhile, Health Promotion Bureau Director Dr. Ranjith Batuwanthudawa asked people not to panic because vaccination and health practices would protect people from any variants of COVID-19 as elaborated by Prof. Malavige. (Sheain Fernandopulle)