Three new mutations of Delta COVID variant found in Sri Lanka

Three new mutations of the Delta variant of COVID-19 have been identified in Sri Lanka by researchers, State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Prof. Channa Jayasumana told Parliament today (17). 

Researchers have classified these "spike mutations" of the Delta variant as SA 222-V, SA 701-S and SA 1078-S, the state minister revealed. 

"These mutations might be one reason for COVID-19 to be spreading rapidly in the country at this time," Prof. Jayasumana stated during today's Parliamentary debate on the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) (Temporary Provisions) Bill. 

The state minister noted that the government's strategy is to minimise the spread of COVID-19 and lessen the number of deaths primarily through speeding up vaccination. As of today, 11.9 million out of the country's population of 21.9 million have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine. This is a percentage of 54%, Prof. Jayasumana said. A total of 4.6 million or 21% has received both doses of the vaccine, he revealed. 

He claimed 95% of those over 30 years of age have received at least one dose of the vaccine while the percentage of those who have received both doses is 40%.