Prof. of the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura Neelika Malavige says in the event the virulence of Omicron is similar to Delta, or worse, it cannot be prevented from entering the country by merely closing borders, adding that previous variants also spread rapidly despite the closure of borders.
She said at the inception, Alpha was the severe variant following which Delta emerged, which to date is the most virulent variant.
Prof. Malavige said the Delta variant also entered almost all countries, with restrictions not assisting in curtailing its spread.
Prof. Malavige said the public is today aware of how the virus spreads regardless of the variant adding the public is also aware of measures that will help prevent the spread of the virus, with wearing masks, social distancing, and washing hands frequently imperative.
She noted that far worse strains of the coronavirus could emerge in the future adding the virus spreading cannot be prevented during a pandemic.
