A new strain of coronavirus that is airborne and more effective than any previously found in Sri Lanka has been discovered in the island nation, according to a top immunologist based in Colombo.
The highly transmissible variant can stay in the air for nearly an hour and spreads quickly, said Neelika Malavige, director of the immunology and molecular sciences department at Sri Jayawardenapura University.
“This variant of the coronavirus is more transmissible than anything previously found on the island. The new strain is in the air, the droplets can stay in the air for almost an hour,” said Malavige.
The health authorities feared that the new variant spreads quickly after last week’s New Year celebrations with more younger people getting infected.
“The disease may progress to a third wave over the next two incubation periods,” said Upul Rohana of the public health inspectors, adding that the real situation would not materialize for 2-3 weeks.
In the meantime, the Ministry of COVID Prevention has issued new guidelines that are expected to remain in effect until May 31st.
The guidelines require most institutions to operate at 50 percent capacity, with all types of celebrations prohibited.
The nationwide cases, which stood at around 150 before the New Year in mid-April, have now risen to over 600 per day.
According to official data, Sri Lanka is also running out of health capacity.
Sri Lanka, like many other nationsThe number of cases of coronavirus is increasing. Currently the number stands at 99,691 cases and 638 deaths from the disease.
The General Director of Health Services, Dr. Asela Gunawardena said hospitals still have enough intensive care capacity to treat COVID-19 patients. However, it is more important that health guidelines are followed to avoid infection.
“Before, the symptoms weren’t very obvious. Now they’re much more visible and young people are more likely to develop them,” he said.
Those who tested positive are now developing more breathing difficulties that require admission to the intensive care unit and oxygen, he said.
Sri Lanka is not the only nation to witness a new breed of Covid-19, but other Asian nations such as India, Pakistan and Indonesia as well.
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