Tourism industry baffled by ad hoc decisions on Covid-19 protocols for international travellers

• SLTDA shares Covid-19 guidelines without MoH approval and then retracts 
• Tourism stakeholders say they are shocked and dismayed by protocols issued without discussions and warnings
• Minister of Health confirms SL’s entry status quo remains unchanged
• Clarification statement from SLTDA says implementation of guidelines will be deferred until January 20
• Review meeting with relevant authorities to decide on protocols scheduled for tomorrow

Tourism sector stakeholders were stunned during the weakened when tourism authorities announced blanket health protocols for international tourists without any warnings, as ad hoc decisions could hurt the hard-hit industry that is expecting a slow recovery. 
Late Friday evening, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) issued a fresh list of guidelines that tourists were expected to follow when entering the island nation. 

According to the blanket guidelines, international visitors were expected to produce a negative PCR test report before landing if they have not received the required dose of the Covid-19 vaccination.
The decision came as countries across the world were issuing protocols targeting Chinese travellers as that country opened up for travel for the first time since the pandemic outbreak last week.

Industry sources told Mirror Business last week that Sri Lanka is still observing decisions taken by other nations on tourists from China, and it is unlikely that any guidelines that are discriminatory towards a specific market would be issued. 
While the Ministry of Health (MoH) was yet to share its expert advice on how Sri Lanka should handle Chinese travellers, the SLTDA issued a list is Covid-19 protocols and procedures for ‘all’ inbound tourists during the weekend.

The list was not well received by the tourism industry stakeholders who said they were “shocked and dismayed” by the protocols given that they were issued without any warning or discussion with the industry or health authorities.
“We believe this is the job for the health authorities and should be done after a full analysis of the situation and in keeping with WHO advice. 

Whilst talking about tourism being the ‘lowest hanging fruit’ for economic recovery, we in the industry believe that this protocol coming directly from Sri Lanka Tourism will only serve to kill the industry that was just beginning to raise its head after a year of turmoil,” Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) said in a statement.

The Association pointed out that many local and foreign tour operators have invested in promoting the destination following the removal of adverse travel advisories, and bringing in a new protocol creates another stumbling block.
“This will discourage foreign tour operators from promoting the destination and losing faith in destination Sri Lanka. This protocol is a further impediment considering that the visa fee too, was just increased, at a time when competing destinations are giving free visas to encourage tourists,” SLAITO added.
 Following harsh criticisms, the SLTDA retracted the guidelines. In a subsequent clarification, SLTDA said the implementation of guidelines will be deferred until January 20.

Responding to the protocol list put forward by Sri Lanka Tourism, Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella confirmed that Sri Lanka’s entry status quo remains unchanged. He took to Twitter to share that the Ministry of Health is in real-time discussion with the World Health Organisation in this regard and any statements on Covid-19 protocols will be made by the MoH or the Presidential Secretariat.
A review meeting with relevant authorities including health officials has been scheduled for January 17 after which a decision will be taken regarding the protocols.

China reports 60,000 Covid-related deaths in just over a month

BBC: China has reported 60,000 Covid-related deaths in just over a month, the first major death toll released since the country stopped its zero-Covid policy. 
China has been widely accused of underreporting coronavirus deaths, despite evidence of hospitals and crematoriums being overrun. 
According to officials, China recorded 59,938 Covid-related deaths between 8 December and 12 January. Most of those who died were over 80, with most having underlying conditions.

The figures include 5,503 deaths caused by respiratory failure directly due to the virus, and 54,435 caused by underlying conditions combined with the virus. The real total is likely to be higher because which the figures refer only to deaths recorded at medical facilities.

Last month, Beijing changed the way it categorises Covid deaths, only counting towards its total those who died of respiratory failure directly induced by the virus.
The World Health Organisation criticised the definition, describing it as “too narrow”.Beijing has always contended that its figures are accurate, calling on the WHO to “uphold a scientific, objective and just position”. 

Officials said that the peak of patients hospitalised with severe Covid was in early January, although the number subsequently remained high. 
They said that they would continue to monitor the situation in rural areas, focusing on early detection and prioritising treatment of the most vulnerable.