THE UK variant (Alpha) of Covid-19 has been detected in nine localities of Sri Lanka.
The B.1.1.7, UK variant (Alpha) has been identified from Colombo, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Kuliyaputiya, Wariyapola, Habaraduwa (Matara), Thissamaharama, Karapitiya, and Ragama.
Director of the allergy, immunity and cell biology unit at the Sri Jayewardenepura University Dr. Chandima Jeewandara said on Thursday (10), the Indian and Sri Lankan variants had also been detected in two areas.
"The B.1.617.2, the Indian variant of the virus (Delta) has been detected from a quarantine facility in Waskaduwa while the B.1.411, the Sri Lankan lineage of Covid-19 has been reported from Thissamaharama," he added.
The relevant variants had been identified following the sequencing conducted by Dr Jeewandara’s team at the Sri Jayewardenepura University.
He also informed that the healthcare workers attached to the Colombo National Hospital who were detected with the UK variant (Alpha) two weeks after receiving the second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine have recovered.
Dr Selva Pankaj 
King Charles III and US president Donald Trump followed by Queen Camilla and First Lady Melania Trump, walk at the state banquet at Windsor Castle, Berkshire. Aaron Chown/Pool via REUTERS