May 8, 2021 12:01 pmThe Indian variant of SARS-CoV-2 virus, officially known as B.1.617, has been detected for the first time in Sri Lanka. The virus strain, which has exacerbated the pandemic situation in the neghbouring country, was found in sample obtained from an individual who had returned to the island from India. Dr. Chandima Jeewandara, Director of Allergy, Immunity and Cell Biology Unit of Sri Jayewardenepura University confirmed this to Ada Derana. The B.1.617 variant was first identified in Maharashtra, India in October 2020.

Source: The Nation May 08, 2021 07:08 UTC