In the backdrop of a Covid-19 resurgence in many parts of the globe, researchers in Sri Lanka have discovered a new, highly potent strain of coronavirus.
According to scientist, the new strain is airborne, highly transmissible and more potent than all other strains of the virus found on the island-nation.
Experts believe that the new strain is responsible for the spike in the number of infections in Sri Lanka as it can remain airborne for nearly an hour and is spreading fast.
“This variant of coronavirus is more highly transmissible than all found so far in the island. The new strain is airborne, the droplets can remain airborne for nearly an hour,” Neelika Malavige, the head of the Department of Immunology and Molecular Sciences of the Sri Jayawardenapura University said.
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Health authorities fear that the new variant is spreading rapidly after last week’s New Year celebrations with more younger people getting infected.
“In the next two incubation periods, the disease can progress to a third wave,” Upul Rohana, of the Public Health Inspectors said, adding that the real situation would emerge only in the coming 2-3 weeks.
Meanwhile, the ministry of COVID prevention issued new guidelines which would remain in force until May 31. The guidelines dictate a 50 per cent capacity operation for most institutions with all forms of revelry being banned.
The country-wide cases which were around 150 before the mid-April New Year have now shot up to over 600 a day. Sri Lanka is also running out of its health care capacity, officials said.
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Sri Lanka, like many other nations, is witnessing a surge in the number of coronavirus cases, with the current figure standing at 99,691 cases and 638 deaths due to the disease.
Director General of Health Services Dr Asela Gunawardena said hospitals still have enough ICU capacity to treat Covid-19 patients but it is more important that health guidelines are followed in order to avoid infection.
“Previously the symptoms were not very apparent. Now they are much more visible and young people are more likely to develop them,” he said.
Those who have tested positive now develop more breathing difficulties, requiring ICU admission and oxygen, he said.
Sri Lanka is not the only nation to have witnessed new strain of Covid-19 but also other Asian nations such as India, Pakistan, Indonesia among others.
However, so far, there have been no reports of the new Lankan strain infecting people outside the country.
At the moment, three strains of the virus are the most commonly found ones all across the globe-- UK Strain (B.1.1.7 Variant), South African Strain (B.1.351 Variant) and Brazilian Strain (P.1 Variant).
A double mutant strain was also recently discovered in Maharashtra. It has been identified as B.1.617 variant.
(With PTI inputs)
