Delta hasn’t spread – Dr. Herath

Deputy Director General of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath yesterday told the media that there was no evidence to prove that the the Delta variant of coronavirus had spread in the country

Dr. Herath made this statement responding to a question posed by a journalist about allegations made by the Public Health Inspectors’ Union that the Delta variant has spread to many areas in the country.

“The Health Ministry is conducting PCR tests in every district to determine whether the Delta variant has spread among the community. We are not taking this situation lightly. Using PCR samples Jayewardenepura University is carrying out genetic sequencing and results would be released soon,” he said.

Dr. Herath said that COVID-19 cases are dropping. “If people adhere to health guidelines, we can ensure that the numbers remain low,” he said.

On Thursday, Public Health Inspectors alleged that the government was not taking steps to control the spread of the Delta variant.

PHI Union Head Upul Rohana said the government had not adjusted its plan and was merely continuing the old action plan. There should be a new action plan to counter this situation, he said.

“The government must increase gene sequencing to determine whether the Indian variant has spread to more areas in the country,” Rohana said.

He warned that if Sri Lanka do not take steps to control the spread of the Delta variant, the country will experience a situation similar to that experienced by India a few months ago.