Researchers point out that the new type of coronavirus that is currently spreading in Sri Lanka is similar to the virus that spreads in Europe and is not the same as the virus that is in India.

Director of Operations and Clinical Services at Allergy Immunology and Cell Biology Unit Dr. Chandima Jeewandara mentioned this today (01) joining the ‘Big Focus’ program on Ada Derana 24.

“Our main case cluster was created in Minuwangoda through Brandix. In addition, another cluster was created in association with the [Peliyagoda] Fish Market. Also, another in association with the Colombo Municipal Council.

We took 16 samples and sequenced 13 out of 16 very accurately. We got a partial sequence for the remaining 3. Twelve of these 13 are synchronously similar. The difference here is, when we sequenced in March we got viruses from different lineages.”

Dr. Jeewandara stated that the viruses found from Minuwangoda and Peliyagoda are the same.

“The most similar to this new virus is the virus we found from the Kandakadu cluster.”

According to their findings, the current virus in Sri Lanka is found mainly circulating in Europe, said Dr. Jeewandara.

“It spreads around Sweden and Denmark. We can’t find a link to an Indian origin in this virus.”

However, he added that they currently do not possess a Ukranian sample.
 
“It is better if we have a Ukrainian sample. If it matches the virus in Sri Lanka, then can be 100 percent sure that it came from Ukraine. But we can’t confirm on that for now as we haven’t studied a Ukrainian sample.”