Variant worries 

The news that the UK variant of the COVID-19 virus has been found in four areas of Sri Lanka has raised concerns about managing the pandemic and what steps could be taken to protect the public while keeping the economy ticking. 

The emergence of virus variants has also put the onus on greater vigilance to ensure that the more virulent Brazil and South African strains do not find their way into the country.

The Sri Jayewardenepura University made the unwelcome but crucial announcement on Friday (12 February). The Allergy Immunology and Cell Biology Unit of the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine carried out sequencing of 92 SARS-CoV2 viruses received during the first week of February. The UK variant was found in Colombo, Avissawella, Biyagama and Vavuniya. 

The samples were collected from Colombo, Avissawella, Ingiriya, Biyagama, Wattala, Mathugama, Mannar, and Vavuniya as well as from overseas arrivals from several quarantine centres. The unit found that while most of the virus lineages belonged to the previously circulating B.1.411 lineage (Sri Lankan lineage), a few viruses belonging to the B.1.1.7 (UK lineage). Other than the four areas, it was also detected from a few individuals in the quarantine centres.

The jury is still out on whether the variant entered via an overseas arrival or whether it evolved as a result of the high local spread but what is indisputable is that it is likely to speed up the spread. According to studies, the UK variant spreads 50% faster than the earlier lineage that Sri Lankans are familiar with but it is unclear what steps could be taken to reduce its power. 

Top officials are expected to meet today to decide whether lockdowns in selected areas may be useful to reduce the spread but experiences by other countries indicate that the silver lining is, even though this variant spreads faster, it has not resulted in significant increases in death tolls. The variant arrived in India, for example, weeks ago but its spread has not significantly increased fatality rates across the Palk Strait. 

However, this does mean that precautions, especially social distancing guidelines at workplaces and elsewhere, will need to be very strictly implemented. In this regard, it is essential that officials at the top lead the way and displays of privilege are dispensed with. As always the biggest hit from a higher infection rate will be the economy and many people simply cannot afford to weather another crunch. The Government has to take the arrival of the new variant as a much-needed wakeup call and step up its administration and response efforts. 

Health officials have already highlighted the need for PCR tests to be upscaled and coordinated better. Fortunately, the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine does respond to the UK variant but Sri Lanka will not be quite so lucky if the South African variant arrives. Therefore stronger border controls, both within and into the country, may have to be considered. This further complicates migrant repatriation measures and efforts to get at least a partial tourism recovery off the ground. 

Nonetheless, ceaseless vigilance and responsiveness is the paramount need of the hour. This is how countries that had early success in controlling the virus have managed to maintain their low infection rates. Sri Lanka needs to step up and brace itself for this latest challenge.