Sri Lanka, June 12 -- Two people diagnosed with the new COVID-19 variant have reportedly died, Chief Professor of Medicine at the Northwestern Medical Faculty, Professor Dushantha Medagedara, said yesterday.

He revealed this information during a media briefing held at the Health Promotion Bureau (HPB). Addressing the media, Professor Medagedara cited data from the Sri Lankan Institute of Virology, noting that between 9% and 13% of patients presenting with respiratory symptoms are currently infected with this new strain of the virus.

He added that while the infection rate is notable, the severity of this particular COVID-19 strain appears to be low. "Its harmful effects are very minimal," he said.

However, Professor Medagedara cautione...