Since the pandemic began, the country has reported 4,459 infections and 13 deaths
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fter reporting an escalating cluster centered around a garment factory in the capital’s suburbs, authorities in Sri Lanka on Wednesday widened a curfew and warned of legal action against those evading treatment for the coronavirus.
The Indian Ocean island nation over the weekend reported its first locally transmitted infection in more than two months, a cluster centered around a garment factory in densely populated Western province, the Hindustan Times reports.
By Friday the number of infections linked to the cluster climbed to 1,053, with more than 2,000 more people asked to quarantine at home. The majority of infected people are co-workers of the first patient, who is a worker at the garment factory.
Police have imposed a curfew on the neighborhoods where many of the patients live. Schools and key public offices have closed, public gatherings have been ordered halted and restrictions have been imposed on public transport.
Western province is also home to the capital, Colombo.
Since the pandemic began, Sri Lanka has reported 4,459 infections and 13 deaths. Of the total patients, 3,278 have recovered.
