The same variant is also causing havoc in India 

• scientific research shows that the death rate is 55% higher than the normal variant

By Sheain Fernandopulle 

The COVID-19 variant currently spreading in several areas of the country has been confirmed to be the variant spreading in the UK (B.1.1.7), which is also currently wreaking havoc in India.  

Director of the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine of Sri Jayewardenepura University 
Dr. Chandima Jeewandara said the B.1.1.7 variant of the Coronavirus which is specific to the UK, was detected from a total number of 43 samples obtained from Colombo and Kurunegala districts.  

“Accordingly, we have observed that almost all of the samples could be attributed to the variant spreading in the UK. This has been confirmed 100%,” 

Dr. Jeewandara said.  “Though we have so far reported that the B.1.411 lineage (Sri Lankan lineage) is the predominant virus strain in Sri Lanka, we can now say that it has been replaced by this new strain,” he said.  
“The scientific research carried out on this new variant has shown that the death rate is 55% higher than the normal variant while the transmissible rate is 50%,” he added.  

“The plus point is that the AstraZeneca vaccine, which is being used in Sri Lanka gives us protection against this variant,” Dr. Jeewandara pointed out.  

However, he said despite the reports of a double mutant variant spreading in India, the majority of infections in India had been caused not due to this new mutant variant, but the UK variant.  

“The B.1.1.7 variant is the strain which is still responsible for the surge in COVID deaths in India,” he pointed out. “At present, over 50% of cases and deaths in Punjab and Delhi are due to this UK variant,” he said.  
“As this variant has just entered the country, it is of utmost importance to ensure that it is contained. For that, it is essential to strictly follow health guidelines and restrict unnecessary movement,” he added.   

Meanwhile, Dr. Jeewandara said they had received samples covering every part of the country, in order to determine whether other variants are present in the community.  

• Received samples covering every part of the country, in order to determine whether other variants are present in the community

“These samples are being tested and we expect the results in about seven days,” he said.