People urged to stay away from tourists

• People must avoid public gatherings too
• Tourists are confined to a bio-bubble

By Easwaran Rutnam

The public have been urged to stay away from tourists after the country was placed on heightened alert for the new variant of the coronavirus.

Deputy Director General of Public Health Services, Dr. Hemantha Herath said while tourists are confined to a bio-bubble there is a fear that some locals may attempt to come into contact with the visitors.
He said the main concern is that locals may attempt to get close to the tourists when they visit selected tourist sites in the country. 

"A number of tourists are currently in Sri Lanka and are relaxing at hotels in several places. We urge locals not to have any contact with the tourists," he said.

Dr. Hemantha Herath said if anyone comes into contact with the tourists it could result in them contracting the virus.

He said the Police and hotels have been given clear advice on the steps to be taken if anyone is to have contact with a tourist.

"We would need all the support we can get to ensure the new variant does not spread in the country," he said.