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Coronavirus: Passengers from Korea under strict watch
View(s):With a rise in the number of new coronavirus cases in South Korea, Sri Lanka will screen and keep track of passengers coming to this country from there, a high-level health official said yesterday.
There are many Sri Lankans working in South Korea and anyone whether Sri Lankan or foreign who comes directly from that country or transiting from elsewhere but with the journey’s origin being South Korea will be screened at the airport, Health Services Director-General Dr. Anil Jasinghe told the Sunday Times.
Even when they go to their homes, their health status will be checked by the staff of the relevant Medical Officer of Health (MOH), to ensure that they have not been affected by COVID-19, it is learnt. This is while all measures which are in place to prevent the disease from coming into the country are being maintained stringently.
A media release from the Foreign Relations Ministry, meanwhile, assured that the ministry in coordination with the Sri Lanka Embassy in Seoul has been closely monitoring and coordinating efforts to ensure the safety of Sri Lankans residing in South Korea following the recent rise of Covid-19 cases, especially in the city of Daegu.
“At present, no Sri Lankans have fallen victim to the virus. More than 20,000 Sri Lankans comprising migrant workers as well as students reside in that country. The embassy is focusing particular attention on Sri Lankans in Daegu, where an estimated 915 reside,” the release said.
To respond to the needs of the Sri Lankans in that country, the embassy is operating hotlines round-the-clock and also a help desk. It has established two social media groups, while also being in contact with Sri Lankan temples, community leaders and all others concerned, it added.
The hotlines are: (0082)-2-735-2966; (0082)-2-735-2967; and (0082)-2-794-2968.
The Sri Lankans in South Korea may also contact: First Secretary Sasanga Nikapitiya – (0082)-10-7222-1352; Counsellor (Employment & Welfare) Senarath Yapa – (0082)-10-3389-2227; Second Secretary Nilanthi Pelawaththage – (0082)-10-4084-0855; or Third Secretary (Employment & Welfare) Samantha Senanayake – (0082)-10-7499-2966.