New COVID-19 variants could emerge in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st): New COVID-19 variants such as the one currently spreading in South Africa could emerge in Sri Lanka as well at any given time, the country's health experts warned on Saturday (Nov. 27). Based on data available at present, the new variant B.1.1.529 can evade immune responses triggered by vaccines to a certain extent, Specialist Dr. Ranjith Batuwanthudawa, the Director of the Health Promotion Bureau told News 1st. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the new COVID-19 variant to be "of concern" and named it Omicron. According to Dr. Batuwanthudawa as per the data available, the vaccines are 40% less effective against the new variant, which is of serious concern. Whilst emphasizing the importance of following proper health protocols to prevent the spread of the virus, Dr. Ranjith Batuwanthudawa urged the people to remain vigilant, get vaccinated, and continue to follow health guidelines.