According to authorities the first delta variant in the community has been detected in Sri Lanka. Dr. Chandima Jeewandara, Director of immunology and molecular medicine of the Sri Jayewardenepra University says the delta variant has been detected in five samples collected from the capital Colombo.
Its first community has been detected said Dr Jeewandara. Earlier, two people were found to be infected with the delta variant in a quarantine facility.
The delta variant that is considered to be a more transmissible version of the disease was first identified in neighbouring India. Sri Lanka has seen a sharp increase of positive cases and deaths since April because of the celebrations and shopping by the people during the traditional new year festival.
Sri Lanka’s total confirmed positive cases have reached 230,692 and 2,374 confirmed deaths.
However, recently it was made clarified by the Union Health Ministry that, Delta Plus Variant Is Not Yet Classified As Variant Of Concern
In the context of the public discourse regarding detection of new variants, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, Dr. VK Paul has reminded the public that the newly detected Delta Plus Variant is not yet classified as a Variant of Concern. “The present status is that yes, a new variant has been found.
This is as of now a Variant of Interest (VoI), not as yet classified a Variant of Concern (VoC). VoC is one in which we have understood that there are adverse consequences to humanity, which could be due to increased transmissibility or virulence. We do not know at this moment this about the Delta Plus variant.” Dr. Paul stated this, while addressing the COVID-19 Media Briefing at National Media Centre, PIB Delhi earlier this week