Omicron variation of COVID-19 reported from African countries could spread in Sri Lanka: Public Health Inspectors’ Union

• Passengers entering duty free shops sans restrictions were leaving the airport and officers who check them are at serious risk

By Dinesh Upendra - Kuliyapitiya   

Public Health Officer’s Union yesterday warned that the virulent variation of COVID-19 reported from the African countries could spread in Sri Lanka creating a serious health hazard due to the liberty allowed to the passengers on arrival to the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake.  

  President of the Union Upul Rohana told the media that the passengers shopping in the tax free shopping complexes without any restrictions were leaving the airport and that the officers who check their travel documents and bags and baggage were at a serious risk.   

He expressed concern about the increasing rate of the infected and the death rate and pointed out that the World Health Organisation had warned on it. He said the rapidity of spread in the new variation of COVID -19 virus identified recently from the South African countries is 500 percent when compared to the previous variations including Alpha.    “However, it is a matter of serious concern that attention is yet to be paid on it and the people ignored the danger. At present seven countries have suspended flights. The situation in the Sri Lankan airport is dreadful. Satisfactory health protection mechanism is not in operation.   

The passengers pass the duty free shopping complexes, Customs, the Immigration and Emigration and other check points before they are examined by the health authorities. The officers and employees are exposed to a serious danger. It is unavoidable that Sri Lanka would be exposed to the South African variant due to the relaxing of health protocols at the airport,” he said.   

He warned the authorities that the life of the people should be protected from exposing to this danger and that tourism and passenger travel should be subject to adequate health precautions. He further said if research was carried out in a higher capacity the new variation could be identified in Sri Lanka as well.