• The Delta 28 which had originated in Sri Lanka and caused havoc in recent months is still present among society
• With the country now re-opened and the festive season upcoming,  authorities believe that the virus could turn into something nasty,  leading to a rise in infections 
• PHIs have already rung the alarm bells over a possible fourth wave during the month of December
• Complaints had also been received that people were shedding away their face masks even in public places

By JAMILA HUSAIN  

Colombo and Gampaha have been placed on alert over a possible wave of COVID-19 infections once again as health experts continue to study the Delta variant and how it would mutate further.   According to senior health officials, the Delta 28 which had originated in Sri Lanka and caused havoc in recent months was still present among society and it was being studied closely and samples of it had been sent to Hong Kong as well to see how it would mutate further.   With the country now re-opened and the festive season upcoming, authorities believe that the virus could turn into something nasty, leading to a rise in infections.  PHIs have already rung the alarm bells over a possible fourth wave during the month of December and health authorities have urged people to adhere to the health regulations and leave homes only if necessary.   

Complaints had also been received that people were shedding away their face masks even in public places and health experts have stressed that this was due to overconfidence of being vaccinated against the virus.  

While the vaccines will prevent severe symptoms and even death from the infection, it however could not prevent one from contracting the COVID-19.  
“The virus will mutate further. There is no question over it. So authorities will continue to monitor it in the coming months and maybe even in the coming years,” experts said.   
Doctors have urged people to continue having the face masks on, maintain a distance between people in crowded or public places, avoid being indoors in confined areas and meet outdoors as much as possible.   

Even during the festive season, people have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel and to stay home as much as possible.

• Doctors have urged people to continue having the face masks on, maintain  a distance between people in crowded or public places, avoid being  indoors in confined areas and meet outdoors as much as possible