Alpha variant detected in Sri Lanka last month

COLOMBO (News1st): The study on COVID-19 variants that was carried out by the Sri Jayawardenapura University's Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine was submitted to the health ministry today. "Based on DNA tests, we can confirm that the B117 variant of the COVID-19 virus was detected in Sri Lanka during the last month," Dr. Chandima Jeewandara, of the Dept. of Immunology and Molecular Medicine at the University of Sri Jayawardenapura said. He noted that the virus had been detected in areas such as Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Habaraduwa in addition to Colombo. "We were also able to confirm the presence of the Indian Delta COVID-19 variant in one infected individual. That individual is undergoing quarantine. Therefore, it won't be detected among others in the community," he said. According to Dr. Jeewandara, the Sinopharm, Spuntik, and Covishield vaccines are proving to be effective against the Alpha variant.