PHI Union Chief decries people’s irresponsible behaviour amidst rapid spread of Omicron variant

By Rathindra Kuruwita

There would be a significant increase in COVID cases in the next two weeks, head of the Health Inspectors’ Union (PHIU), Upul Rohana warned yesterday.

Rohana said there was evidence to show that Omicron was spreading fast in the country. The irresponsible behaviour of the people during the past few weeks, especially during the festive season had faciliated its spread, he said.

“This is a dangerous combination, and we will see the results soon. Omicron cases have been popping up in unexpected places and nothing has been done to halt the spread even now,” Rohana said.

The PHIU President said that most people had not taken the booster shots and being double jabbed was not enough to protect the public from the variant. Those responsible for public health, too, had not done enough to educate the people on the dangers posed by the new variant, he charged.

The people were tired and frustrated about the curbs on freedoms during the last two years, he said.

“This is called pandemic fatigue and we see signs of this around the world. People want to break free. This is a natural reaction when people have been deprived of personal freedoms. Countries that have been successful in quelling COVID have ensured that people understand the risks posed by the disease,” he said.

The head of the PHIU urged the people to take the booster shots as soon as possible and follow good health practices.