Curfew in WP extended as virulent corona strain hits province hardest 

The quarantine curfew in the Western Province that was to be lifted this morning has been extended till 5 am on November 09.

 Army Commander Shavendra Silva, making a special statement, yesterday said the curfew would also be clamped on Eheliyagoda and Kuliyapitiya police areas as well as the Kurunegala city limits.

The Army Commander said: “We have identified that the highest number of COVID19 cases has been reported from Western Province. That’s why we imposed the quarantine curfew from midnight 29 October to 5am on November 02. But looking at the reported cases during the last few days, we have decided to extend this curfew.”

Lt. Gen. Silva said that clusters were seen forming around the Eheliyagoda and Kuliyapitiya police areas as well as in Kurunegala Municipal Council limits.

“We urge the people to stay home. And people must reduce travel even those who live in areas where there is no curfew. Don’t cross district borders. We will arrange home deliveries and monetary grants for the needy,” he said.

Meanwhile, Secretary to the Ministry of Health, Sanjeewa Munasinghe said that the current strain of COVID19 was extremely contagious.

“The old and the young are vulnerable alike. Those with chronic disease like diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney diseases, cancer etc. are more vulnerable.”

Munasinghe said that if a person had mild symptoms they would be sent to level two hospitals,  asymptomatic patients will be sent to intermediate care centres and those with serious symptoms and those who have underlying conditions will be sent to level one hospitals with ICU facilities.

“If you feel you have symptoms, call 0117 966 366 and we will send a team to help you,” he said.