Health experts raise serious concerns over new variant, SL goes on alert

Sri Lanka's health experts, today raised serious concerns over the new variant of the COVID-19 which had been detected in South Africa and said Sri Lanka's borders had gone on alert. 

Health officials said while data for this new variant was still being studied, this was very bad news for all countries including Sri Lanka.

Experts said the new B.1.1.529, was "the worst one we've seen so far", and there was concern it had the potential to evade immunity.

International media reports said 59 confirmed cases had been identified in South Africa, Hong Kong and Botswana. (JAMILA HUSAIN)