The Ministry of Health says the spread of the Delta coronavirus variant could be the reason behind Sri Lanka’s daily COVID-19 infections continuing to remain high.
Speaking during a media briefing in Colombo, Director of the Health Promotion Bureau Dr. Ranjith Batuwanthudawa said since the Delta variant is highly transmissible, it is important that the general public continue to comply with health guidelines.
Dr. Ranjith Batuwanthudawa said the Delta strain is highly infectious, up to 60-70 percent more than the Alpha coronavirus variant.
He said the World Health Organisation has also confirmed though a report that the Delta strain is the fastest spreading variant in the world, which could affect Sri Lanka as well.
Dr. Batuwanthudawa revealed, Lankan authorities have taken steps to identify and prepare a response for the Delta variant when it was initially detected in India.
He reiterated that testing kits were also ordered before the variant was detected in Sri Lanka, while also formulating a distribution plan for the respective testing kits.
Dr. Ranjith Batuwanthudawa noted peoples’ habits and behaviour will determine the extent of control health authorities will have over the spread of the virus.
