Sri Lanka lifts 6-week virus lockdown amid economic worries

Colombo, Oct 1 (BNA) Sri Lanka on Friday lifted a six-week lockdown as COVID-19 cases and deaths decreased, but it will restrict the movement of people to work and get only essentials.

The lockdown was imposed on August 20 and extended three times as Sri Lanka grappled with the COVID-19 surge caused by the delta variant.

The government has ramped up vaccinations in recent months, with more than 50% of the 22 million people fully vaccinated.

Since then, daily new infections have fallen below 1,000 and deaths to less than 100, from a peak of more than 3,000 cases and more than 200 deaths in early September. The country has reported more than 516,000 infections and 12,847 deaths.

Although the lockdown and curfew are over, strict restrictions remain. People are only allowed to go out for work or to buy necessities.

The Ministry of Health said that public gatherings are prohibited while cinemas, schools and restaurants will remain closed. Strict rules are also imposed on public transportation, weddings and funerals.

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