COLOMBO, Oct 26 (NNN-XINHUA) – The total number of COVID-19 cases in Sri Lanka rose to 7,872 yesterday, after 351 new patients were detected during the day, mainly from a new cluster detected from a fish market in Peliyagoda, in the capital Colombo, earlier last week.
According to the government information department, the Peliyagoda fish market cluster emerged as a new large cluster in the island country, leading to several parts of the capital Colombo, coming under a curfew in recent days, to prevent a further spread of the infection.
Yesterday, the police announced, a curfew which was already imposed on some parts of Colombo’s north would be extended to Borella, Pettah, and Fort, which is the main business and trading hub of the capital. All businesses and key departments in the curfew area would be closed until further notice and people were asked not to leave their homes.
Officials said, several new patients were detected from the curfew areas in recent days, after being linked to the fish market cluster.
The fish market cluster was linked to another cluster in Minuwangoda, in the outskirts of Colombo, which was detected on Oct 4.
Over 40,000 people have been put into quarantine centres within the past two weeks.
Schools remain shut, while the country made it a law to wear face masks and abide by all health guidelines. Those defying the rules will be fined 54 U.S. dollars and may even face a six-month prison term.
Sri Lanka has recorded 15 COVID-19 deaths.– NNN-XINHUA
