Courtesy Adaderana

Patients with an infection of the highly transmissible B.1.1.7 (Alpha) UK variant of the coronavirus have been reported from multiple areas of the island.

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As per the biological samples obtained from COVID-19 patients, the cases are reported from Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Kuliyapitiya, Wariyapola, Habaraduwa, Tissamaharama, Karapitiya, and Ragama areas, Dr. Chandima Jeewandara, the Director of the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura said.

Meanwhile, a patient infected with the B.1.617.2 (Delta) Indian variant has been identified from a quarantine center in Wadduwa.

Reportedly, the relevant patient had arrived in the country from India.

The latest study report on the spread of COVID-19 in Sri Lanka was handed over to the Director-General of Health Services this morning (10), Dr. Chandima Jeewandara said.

Meanwhile, Australian authorities reported that the recent outbreak of the Delta variation of coronavirus in Melbourne was transmitted by a person who arrived from Sri Lanka.

However, during a press conference today (June 10), Dr. Jeewandara stated that this information was untrue.

The person in question had traveled to Melbourne via transit in Sri Lanka, Dr. Jeewandara clarified.

He said, that Sri Lankan authorities had looked into the matter and it has been confirmed that the relevant passenger had not entered the country and that no infection of Delta variation has been reported from the community on the island.