Three mutations of Delta strain found in Sri Lanka
As DG Health Services confirms 171 COVID-19 deaths and 3555 new cases
COLOMBO – Three mutations of the fast-spreading Delta variant of the novel coronavirus have been discovered in Sri Lanka and are likely responsible for an ongoing surge in cases, a minister said, as the Director-General of Health Services confirmed 171 Covid-related fatalities and 3555 new cases on Tuesday (17).
State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals, Channa Jayasumana, told Parliament Tuesday, the three mutations – namely SA222V, SA701S and SA1078S – show changes to their spike protein, attributing the mutations as the likely reason for the current surge in cases.
He was delivering a statement on the current pandemic situation in the country when the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (Temporary Provisions) Bill was taken up for debate in the House on Tuesday.
Jayasumana said researchers have confirmed that the Delta strain of SARS-CoV-2 is the dominant variant in Sri Lanka, noting it was spreading 60% to 70% faster than previous strains. “It gives rise to more symptoms and an increase in oxygen-dependent patients,” he confirmed.
The state minister also informed Parliament that 95% of Sri Lanka’s over-30 population has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while 40% in the age category have been fully vaccinated.
Of the total population, 54% have received one dose so far and 21% have received both doses.
Meanwhile, the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) on Tuesday warned of the potential of a new severe COVID-strain emerging by the end of 2021 that could bypass the immunity created by the current vaccination program.
Deeming the potential strain a dangerous threat Sri Lanka is likely to face, the Association’s Secretary, Dr. Shenal Fernando, advocated for a third dose of the COVID vaccine, saying it would be essential for the health sector officials to be administered with the vaccines first.
He told local media, the decision to provide a third dose should be determined by an expert panel consisting of health experts.
Separately, a Right to Information reply from Parliament has revealed that only 146 of the 225 parliamentarians have been vaccinated against COVID-19 as of August 12, with 122 MPs receiving both doses of the COVISHIELD vaccine and 24 MPs receiving two doses of Russia’s Sputnik V.
Tikiri K. Jayathilake, Information Officer and Assistant Secretary-General of Parliament had said his office does not have details of MPs who have not yet been vaccinated for COVID-19 or the reason why they remain unvaccinated.
-economynext.com/ENCL