Risk of Indian variant spreading to other districts: PHIs warn

The Indian version, which was first found in the Dematagoda district yesterday, poses a significant chance of spreading to other areas of the country, according to the Public Health Inspectors' Union.

According to PHI Union Head Upul Rohana, who spoke to the Daily Mirror, the region known as 66-Watta in Dematagoda is claimed to have a huge population living with few services.

“Around 900 persons from 149 families are estimated to live in the region. The majority of the citizens work as janitors, with trishaw drivers accounting for a sizable portion of the population. He claims that some of the people are drug addicts who are also involved in drug trafficking.

“Against this backdrop, the Indian variant poses a serious risk of spreading to other parts of the country,” he warned.

Despite the country's travel restrictions, the PHI director also stated that residents in the area are reportedly disregarding health guidelines and practices.

“As a result, we asked health officials to remain vigilant about this and take all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the hazardous Indian variant,” he added.

The Colombo Municipal Council had previously stated that the area has been isolated since last Saturday after being notified of a possible presence of the Indian version.

(Sheain Fernandopulle)