Sri Lanka not to impose total lockdown, to shore up economy

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The Sri Lankan government has decided not to go in for a complete lockdown, despite the rising number of coronavirus cases in the country. Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi told the parliament that the policy of the government was to combat the COVID-19 pandemic while securing the economy.</p>
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<a href="http://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking_news/No-complete-lockdown-Pavithra/108-211334"><em>The Daily Mirror</em></a> reports that Wanniarachchi told Parliament that it was important to keep the economy running as funds would not be available to prevent Covid-19. The Sri Lankan opposition has been asking the government for a complete lockdown to control the deteriorating health situation. The island nation reported 1,939 cases of the virus yesterday and has been witnessing a daily upward trend since mid-April.</p>
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Earlier this week, the government did announce tougher measures to curb the pandemic. Some of those include areas of high public visitations like cinema halls, pubs, bars, casinos, nightclubs, playgrounds for children, swimming pools and similar other places. Health authorities have also banned public events, wedding receptions and religious gatherings. Schools too have been shut though businesses are allowed to work with 25 per cent less number of people.</p>
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Responding to opposition leader Lakshman Kiriella, the health minister said the globally accepted method was to combat Covid-19 pandemic while securing the economy. She added: "If the economy was crippled, we would not be able to find money to treat COVID patients, conduct PCR tests and take patients to hospitals,” she said.</p>
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Supporting the health minister's decision, Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardane said the country suffered considerable economic loss following the lock down during the first and second wave of the infection.</p>
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With the rise in the number of Covid cases, the country has begun to strengthen its healthcare services. The Sri Lankan army has set up a 1,200 bedded-Covid hospital and has increased the capacity of existing ones. The government too is ensuring that adequate oxygen is made available to the hospitals.</p>