Samples being tested for LAMBDA variant in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st): There is a possibility that COVID-19 patients infected with the new LAMBDA variant of the virus, could be detected in Sri Lanka at any time, the Ministry of Health said. "NO patients infected with the LAMBDA variant were reported in Sri Lanka as of now, despite cases of the LAMBDA variant being reported across the world. However, cases of the LAMBDA variant could be reported in Sri Lanka at any time and health authorities are vigilant regarding the matter," Dr. Hemantha Herath, the Deputy Director-General of Health Services told reporters on Thursday (Jul. 08). According to Dr. Hemantha Herath, samples obtained from across the country are being tested for the LAMBDA variant at the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine of the Sri Jayawardenapura University. Moreover, no measures, in particular, can be taken to prevent the LAMBDA variant, Dr. Herath pointed out, adding "Measures can only be taken to prevent the COVID-19 virus from entering the country through returnees and travellers who visit Sri Lanka."