COVID-19 second wave in SL originated from Ukrainian airline crew Epidemiological Investigation reveals

• Crew members had organized reception inside the hotel

By Sheain Fernandopulle  

According to the investigation carried out by the Epidemiology Unit, the most possible way through which the COVID-19 virus could have entered Sri Lankan resulting in a second wave in the country originated from the Ukrainian airline crew that was quarantined at a hotel in Seeduwa early September last year, Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera said.  

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Dr. Samaraweera said this had been noticed during the course of the investigation by the Epidemiology Unit to ascertain the origin of the second wave in the country.  

“There could be possibilities through which the virus could have entered the country like illegal fishing activities, returnees who were not properly diagnosed etc. However, we are of the opinion that the virus would most probably have entered Sri Lanka through the Ukrainian flight crew members,  “he emphasised.  

A flight crew consisting of 11 members arrived in Sri Lanka from a Turkish Airline on September 11, and was quarantined at a hotel in Seeduwa. These crew members had organised a reception inside the hotel prior to their departure. According to the informed sources, people from outside too had participated in  this reception.   
Accordingly, one of the crew members tested positive for the virus on September 13 and admitted to IDH for treatment. Subsequently, five hotel staffers were also identified COVID-19 positive patients.   The first COVID-19 case from the Brandix apparel factory was reported on October 2, 2020 and it was a 39-year-old Brandix apparel factory worker who was identified as COVID-19 positive at Gampaha during a random test. However, she had shown symptoms since September 21.  

Although intelligence agencies reportedly briefed President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on the origin of the second wave of COVID-19 outbreak in Sri Lanka, it was not properly articulated by any government official. Other than that, there were only speculations.   Meanwhile, Dr. Samaraweera said the signs were already shown that Sri Lanka is on the verge of bringing COVID-19 outbreak under control.   “This situation is evident with number of COVID-19 cases being reported in Sri Lanka over a couple of days,” he added.     

• Although intelligence agencies briefed the President on the origin of second wave of COVID-19 outbreak in Sri Lanka, it was not properly articulated by any govt. official