Lifting travel restrictions imposed on the UK poses a severe risk, GMOA warns

COLOMBO (News 1st): Several factions warned that permitting British nationals to enter the country against a backdrop where a new variant that is rapidly spreading in South Africa is found in the United Kingdom is of high risk. Editor of the Government Medical Officers' Organization Dr. Haritha Aluthge said the mentality that Sri Lanka has curbed the situation will pose a bigger threat to us in the future. "Medical professionals in Europe have pointed out that the new variant found in the UK is severe than we ought to think. Are we aware of these things?" Dr. Haritha Aluthge questioned. Chairman of the Association of Medical Laboratory Technologists Ravi Kumudesh said it is ironic that Sri Lanka takes steps to lift the travel restrictions at a time a new variant is being spread in the UK that is immune to the Covishield Vaccine. He further questioned if the decision was made based on the recommendations of the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health.