Sri Lanka widens curfew, bans gatherings as virus surges

Authorities in Sri Lanka on Wednesday widened a curfew and warned of legal action against those eving treatment for COVID-19 after reporting an escalating cluster centered around a garment factory in capital's suburbs.

number of confirmed cases has risen to 830 while more than 1,500 people have been asked to quarantine at ir homes, health authorities said.

Indian Ocean island nation h just reported its first community infection in two months on Sunday. majority of infected people are co-workers of first patient, who was diagsed at a hospital at weekend and is from densely populated Western province that includes capital, Colombo.

Hundreds of people — both factory workers and residents — waited in lines Tuesday at makeshift medical centers to be tested for coronavirus in small town of Minuwangoda, about 50 kilometers (30 miles) rth of Colombo, where factory is located.

Some who h tested positive were refusing to go to state-run treatment centers even after government provided m with transport, Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi said.

A statement from Wanniarachchi warned that legal action will be taken under quarantine regulations against those who eve treatment. Violators of law could face a fine and imprisonment up to three months.

Separately, health ministry ordered a halt to public garings such as exhibitions, parties, conferences, indoor or outdoor events, carnivals, musical shows and processions.

And police have widened curfew in key suburbs of Colombo where many of patients live. Previously, government h closed schools, universities and imposed restrictions on public transport.

Chief epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera said new cluster poses a greater risk of spreing virus in broer society compared to Sri Lanka's previous clusters.

government h long touted it h prevented community spre of virus in Sri Lanka because all previously kwn cases were connected to a navy camp and a drug rehabilitation center. two clusters h 950 and 651 patients respectively.

Samaraweera said risk is high with new cluster as workers used to work very closely and also go home every day and mingle with ors in society. “refore, if people do t support us, we will find it difficult to control this.”

Some of workers come from different parts of country. Local media reported police and health workers were visiting homes of factory workers on leave and were testing m as well.

country has reported 3,733 patients with 13 deaths. Of total patients, 3,266 have recovered.

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