New Covid strain found in Sri Lanka can remain airborne for nearly 60 minutes Researchers in Sri Lanka say they have detected a new variant of coronavirus on the island nation which is highly transmissible and can remain airborne for nearly an hour. Sri Lanka is reporting over 600 new cases each day. advertisement UPDATED: April 24, 2021 22:48 IST A Sri Lankan nurse takes a blood sample from a municipal worker before administering Covid-19 vaccine in Colombo on February 15, 2021 (Photo Credits: PTI) HIGHLIGHTS Sri Lanka's ministry of COVID prevention has issued new guidelines to contain the spread Symptoms are now more visible and young people are more likely to develop them: Dr Asela Gunawardena