Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 cases reach 143; 21 new cases in a day

The total number of the novel coronavirus cases in Sri Lanka reached 143. Ths island-nation reported 21 fresh cases on March 31, the highest single-day increase so far, health officials said.

The island nation has recorded only one death due to the novel coronavirus.

A 65-year-old diabetic man who died on Sunday had contracted the virus from Lanka's second COVID-19 patient who was in contact with a group of Italian tourists.

A total of 173 more people are under observation at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (IDH).

Meanwhile, the country continues to remain under curfew and a restriction remained imposed on foreign arrivals.

The indefinite curfew will continue in Colombo, Gampaha, Kaluthra, Puttalam, Jaffna and Kandy..

The areas have been placed under a strict curfew with deliveries of essentials to households  to prevent public movements.

Over 7,000 people have been arrested for curfew violations, police said.

Health officials said Sri Lanka is reaching its critical phase of the COVID-19 with the advent of April.

"The next two weeks will be crucial," Jayaruwan Bandara of the Medical Research Institute said.

"Sri Lanka is showing the same pattern of spike as was seen in other countries like Italy, Spain and US. So please stay indoors. This will be the only way to prevent this from being spread," Bandara said.

Travelling to and from all districts is completely prohibited except for the purpose of providing essential services.

The ban on foreign arrivals has been extended till April 7 to contain the spread of the virus.

The Commissioner-General of Prisons said some 1,460 prisoners will be released in view of the coronavirus threat.