Srilanka, June 12 -- Health authorities have confirmed that two individuals have died due to complications from the new COVID-19 variant currently spreading across Sri Lanka, according to Prof. Dushantha Medagedara, Chief Professor of Medicine at the Northwestern Medical Faculty.

Speaking at a media briefing held at the Health Promotion Bureau (HPB) yesterday, Prof. Medagedara stated that data from the Sri Lankan Institute of Virology shows that between 9% to 13% of patients presenting with respiratory symptoms are currently infected with this new strain.

He reassured the public that the new variant is low in severity, with minimal harmful effects for most individuals. However, he emphasized that the virus could pose serious risks to o...