By Romesh Madusanka 

Health authorities are concerned about the possibility of a COVID-19 cluster in the Jaffna prisons. 

During an interview with CNN, she said that the vaccination programme would be carried out coinciding with the ‘Bio Bubble’ concept for tourists who arrive in the country.   

“The data related to all certified tourist hotels were collected by the Health Ministry including tour guides, travel agents and drivers,” she said.   While explaining the Bio Bubble concept, she said the SLTDA would certify tourist hotels, which are safe and secure for tourists to stay in the country with strict protocols .   She said, there are about 200 hotels that were opened covering the entire island.   

“The tourists who wish to visit the country can book their tickets directly to reach the hotels, through the travel agents or Online Travel Agents (OTA).   After receiving the guests, the quarantine facilities would be added along with the tourist package. But rules must be followed and the guests should avoid mingling with the local community,” she said.   

“There is no minimum mandatory stay requirement. The tourists can use all facilities offered by the hotels they have booked and are free to use the beaches as they would be demarcated for them,” she said.   
However, this is not a strict quarantine protocol, but the tourists should proceed within the Bio Bubble, Kimarli Fernando said.