Colombo (Economy Next): Sri Lanka extended a work from home period to April 03, and has slapped indefinite coronavirus curfews on three districts with authorities making a final effort to stop any remaining unidentified carriers infecting others.

The work from home period from March 30 to April 03 will apply to all State, semi-government and private sector entities except which are categorized as essential services.

“This period is not considered as public holidays. Uninterrupted continuation of public services is the responsibility of the Government,” the Presidents office said.

“However, the objective of this measure is to prevent unnecessary gathering of people and pave the way for self-quarantine.”

Since the Wave II surge of the epidemic began with infected returnees from countries other than China in March daily growth of confirmed patients had been in the single or low double digits.

On March 26, the health ministry had confirmed four new cases by 2100 hours taking the total to 106. Another 237 suspected patients are under observation.

Four Coronavirus patients have recovered so far, including a Wave I patient from China who was originally infected with the Wuhan virus in January 2020.

There have been no deaths but two are in intensive care, the head of Sri Lanka’s health service Anil Jasinghe has said.

Sri Lanka has slapped indefinite curfews in Colombo, Kalutara and Gampaha, calling them high risk areas, while a curfew was also extended in Jaffna where an infected Swiss pastor conducted a service.

Out of patients indentified up to late afternoon Thursday Colombo had recorded 22, Kalutara, 15, Gampaha 10 and Puttalam 09, Jasinghe said, prompting the areas to be designated high risk.