Two people have reportedly died after contracting the new Covid-19 variant currently spreading across Sri Lanka, according to medical experts.

Chair Professor of Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Dushantha Madegedara, revealed the information at a press conference held at the Health Promotion Bureau.

“According to the Department of Virology, between 9% and 13% of respiratory patients have contracted the new strain of Covid. This infection is of very low severity. The harmful effects are minimal,” he said.

However, he cautioned that individuals over 65 years of age with weakened immunity are more vulnerable to the virus and should remain vigilant.

“There have been two deaths in Sri Lanka. Both were patients with underlying complications. Apart from that, there is no need for unnecessary panic, as we are not facing a severe situation at the moment. But vulnerable groups should remain cautious,” Prof. Madegedara added.