Six COVID-19 variants so far identified in SL

• Indian variant found from patient at quarantine centre
• An infected person has also been found diagnosed with the B.1.351, variant that is currently spreading in South Africa

 By Sheain Fernandopulle   

With the COVID-19 variant currently spreading in India (B.1.617) being found from a positive patient at a quarantine centre in Colombo, six COVID-19 variants have been so far identified from the samples sequenced from positive patients across the country until April 30.  

Director of the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine of Sri Jayewardenepura University Dr. Chandima Jeewandara said the Indian variant was detected after a test conducted on a patient and the sample sent to a private hospital in Colombo.   In addition, an infected person has been found diagnosed with the B.1.351, variant that is currently spreading in South Africa.  

The variants so far detected in Sri Lanka along with the relevant areas are as follows,   

1. B.1.1.7 (UK variant/Kent variant)   
Colombo (CMC), Homagama, Boralesgamuwa, Polpithigama, Kuliyapitiya, Nikawaratiya, Ganewatta, Ambalanpola. Giriulla, Pannala, Wariyapola, Agalawatta, Pimbura, Panadura, Palindaruwa, Bandaragama, Panduwasnuwara, Kandy, Hingurakgoda, Medirigiriya, Mannar town   

2. The B.1.428 (Denmark/European/ Middle East variant)  

Jaffna (especially Nallur cluster)

   
3. B.1.411 (Sri Lankan variant)   

Batticaloa   
Colombo  

4. B.1.525 (Nigerian variant)   

 Bandaragama, Colombo  

5. B.1.617 (Indian variant)  

Private Hospital   

6. B.1.351 (South African variant)  

 Private Hospital