COVID-19 Inoculation: Tourism industry among priority groups

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Ministry of Tourism has decided to administer the COVID-19 vaccine on those involved in the tourism industry, a top official said on Wednesday (Feb. 10). The tourism industry will thereby, be considered as a priority group with regard to COVID-19 inoculation in the country, S. Hettiarachchi, Secretary to the Tourism Ministry told News 1st. Of the COVID-19 doses, 50,000 will be administered on hotel staff, tour guides, drivers and others who engage with tourists closely, Hettiarachchi further added. Accordingly, the Tourism Secretary was hopeful that the jab could be administered on those engaged in the tourism industry as well by March. More than 2500 tourists from Ukraine, China, Germany, Switzerland and Kazakhstan have arrived in the island since airports re-opened for tourist arrivals last month, according to the Ministry of Tourism. More tourists have applied to visit Sri Lanka, the ministry further noted.