18 June 2021 07:33 pm
There is a high risk that the Indian variant which was originally detected in the Dematagoda area yesterday could spread to the other parts of the country, Public Health Inspectors’ Union warned.
PHI Union Head Upul Rohana told the Daily Mirror that the particular area which is called 66-Watta in Dematagoda is said to have a large population living with limited facilities.
“It is estimated that about 900 people from 149 families are residing in the area. Majority of the residents are engaged in janitorial profession, while a considerable number of people are trishaw drivers. Some of the residents are said to be drug addicts and linked to drug trafficking as well,” he said.
“In such a backdrop, there is a serious risk that the Indian variant could spread to other areas of the country,” he stressed.
The PHI head also said though there are travel restrictions in the country, the residents in the area are reported to be ignoring health guidelines and practices.
“Accordingly, we urged the health authorities to be alert on this and take all preventive measures to curb the spread of the dangerous Indian variant,” he added.
The Colombo Municipal Council earlier announced that the particular area remained in isolation since last Saturday after they were informed of suspicious presence of the Indian variant.(Sheain Fernandopulle)