Decision to extend lock down the country to be expected tomorrow.

The decision on extending the current islandwide quarantine curfew beyond Monday (06) will be taken tomorrow by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Health Services Director-General Dr. Asela Gunawardena said.

The 10-day lockdown which was imposed on the 20th of August was later extended till the 06th of September, following recommendations by health experts.

The World Health Organization’s Expert group on Sri Lanka has also recommended extending the current lockdown until the 2nd of October or at least till the 18th of September.

The expert group said if implemented, this would save thousands of lives from the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.

“Extending lockdowns past August 31 is projected to reduce deaths from COVID-19. If the lockdowns are extended to September 18 and October 2, it would save respectively, 7,500 and 10,000 deaths,” the group said in a report (seen by the Sunday Times) after its meeting held on 26th August.

Speaking to the media yesterday, State Minister Dr. Sudarshani Fernandopulle also called on the Government to extend the current islandwide lockdown.

The State Minister of Primary Health Care, Epidemics, and COVID Disease Control said the lockdown must be extended by an additional 2 weeks.