Omicron: Non-entry into country cannot be guaranteed, says SLMA

29 November 2021 08:50 am Views - 111

• PHIs claim that tourists can evade health officials upon arrival

By Sheain Fernandopulle 

The entry of the newly detected COVID-19 variant, Omicron could be inevitable, Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) said yesterday. SLMA President Dr Padma Gunaratne said the authorities should take all precautionary measures, as they had already taken, to ensure the new variant does not enter the country. 

“We are of the view that though the entry of the new variant can be delayed, there is no guarantee that it will never enter the country,” she highlighted.

However, Dr Gunaratne stressed the significance of strictly adhering to health rules and getting vaccinated at the right time.Meanwhile, Public Health Inspectors Union Head Upul Rohana said there are many loopholes through which the new variant could enter the country.

“The system in the airport is so fragile that tourists can evade health officials upon arrival. Thus, the authorities should pay special attention to this and make sure every means of evasion are curtailed,” 
he stressed.

 

• Though the entry of the new variant can be delayed, there is no guarantee that it will never enter the country