Sunday Times E-Paper

Take immediate steps to reduce risks from new variant getting a foothold

It would be prudent for Sri Lanka to take measures to reduce the risk of a new SARSCoV-2 variant – recently detected in several southern African countries – from gaining a foothold here. Action needs to be taken now, said a Virologist familiar with the data on this variant.

Travel associated cases linked to this variant have now been reported from other countries such as Hong Kong.

The WHO has just designated this virus a ‘ Variant of Concern’.

The rapid increase in numbers caused by this novel variant is causing concern and South African Virologist Dr. Tulio Oliveira has told the media that the RT-PCR positive rate in his country has jumped from <1% to 7% in a few weeks. This indicates a virus that is able to spread rapidly.

The virus has many mutations that have previously been associated with partial escape from immunity from past infection or vaccination. It also has mutations previously associated with increased transmissibility. Detailed work to address these questions are ongoing through studies in South Africa and in laboratories worldwide, it is understood.

COVID-19

en-lk

2021-11-28T08:00:00.0000000Z

2021-11-28T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://sundaytimes.pressreader.com/article/281711207921828

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