Two deaths linked to new Covid variant in Sri Lanka

Health authorities said today that two individuals have died after contracting the new Covid-19 variant currently circulating in Sri Lanka.

The disclosure was made by Prof. Dushantha Madegedara, Chair of Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, during a press briefing held at the Health Promotion Bureau.

According to Prof. Madegedara, while the new strain of the virus has been detected in a significant portion of respiratory patients, its severity remains low.

“Between 9% and 13% of patients presenting with respiratory symptoms have tested positive for the new Covid variant. However, this particular strain is mild in nature, with minimal harmful effects,” he said.

Despite the relatively low threat posed by the variant, Prof. Madegedara urged the elderly and immunocompromised individuals to exercise caution.

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