Lanka bans arrivals from Iran, Italy, South Korea over coronavirus fears

 Sri Lanka on Friday temporarily banned entry of people coming from Iran, Italy and South Korea as a precaution against rapidly spreing coronavirus pandemic.

travel ban will be in effect for two weeks, starting from tomorrow, Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said.

"All airlines are strongly vised t to carry passengers during se two weeks to Sri Lanka from Italy, Iran or South Korea," a senior CAA official said.

island nation has so far reported two COVID-19 cases.

As part of measures to combat spre of vel coronavirus, Education Ministry on Thursday anunced closure of all schools across country till April 20.

government has also temporarily stopped visa on arrival policy applicable for 48 countries, including India, and also appealed to public to avoid n-essential foreign travel.

All Sri Lankan nationals arriving from Italy, South Korea and China are being sent to quarantine centres set up in eastern province.

dely viral strain that first originated in Chinese city of Wuhan in December last year has so far claimed over 4,920 lives and infected more than 126,000 people across 116 countries and territories, prompting a wave of travel restrictions across globe.

(Pic Credit: AP)