Sri Lanka announces nationwide lockdown over spiraling Covid-19 cases

Colombo, Aug 20 (EFE).- The Sri Lankan government announced Friday a 10-day nationwide lockdown responding to calls from health officials, lawmakers and religious leaders over spiraling cases of the coronavirus in the island nation.

The lockdown will come into effect from 10 pm on Friday (Aug.20) and extend until Monday (Aug.30).

Announcing the lockdown on social media, Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella urged the public to stay at home during these 10 days.

“All essential services will function as normal. I sincerely request all Sri Lankan citizens to adhere to the law and stay at home,” Rambukwella tweeted.

For weeks health officials have requested the government to impose a lockdown in the country due to a significant increase in Covid-19 cases despite the country’s extensive vaccination drive.

Sri Lanka has recorded a total 372,079 cases of Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic, according to the latest statistics published by the Department of Government Information. EFE

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