New sub-lineage of Delta variant detected in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka on Friday detected a new sub-lineage of the Delta variant of COVID-19, scientifically named B.1.617.2. AY 104, making it the third mutation of the coronavirus to have originated in the island nation.

However, the transmissibility of sub-lineage ‘AY 104’ is yet to be determined. Officials said the samples of the sub-lineage have been sent to laboratories in Hong Kong for further analysis.

The ‘AY 104’ sub-lineage was detected by the researchers at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.