Three new mutations of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 virus have been identified in Sri Lanka, State Minister Prof. Channa Jayasumana told the Parliament today (Aug. 17).
He made this revelation delivering a statement on the current pandemic situation in the country, during the parliamentary session earlier today.
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (Temporary Provisions) Bill was taken up for debate in the House this morning.
Prof. Jayasumana said SA222V, SA701S and SA1078S spike mutations were observed in the Delta variant cases found in the country and these mutations causes changes in the spike protein of the virus.
According to him, the Delta variant of concern is now dominant in the country, as confirmed by the researchers.
The Delta strain of COVID-19 has a transmissibility 60% - 70% higher than that of other variants and leads to exponential increase in the number of oxygen-dependent patients, the state minister continued.
“This variant can be one of the reasons for the rapid spread of infections in the country.”
