19 June 2021 10:04 am Views - 157
By Sheain Fernandopulle
There is a high risk that the Indian variant which was detected in the Dematagoda area on Thursday could spread to the other parts of the country, Public Health Inspectors’ Union warned yesterday.
PHI union Head Upul Rohan told Daily Mirror that the particular area which is called 66-Watta in Dematagoda is considered to be having a large population living with less facilities.
“It is estimated that about 900 individuals from 149 families are residing in the area. Majority of residents are engaged in cleaning jobs while a considerable number of people are auto drivers. Some residents are also known to be addicted to drugs and linked to drug trafficking,” 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 known to be ignoring health guidelines and practices.
“Accordingly, we urged the health authorities to be alert in this regard and to take all preventive measures to curb the spread of the 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.