Sri Lanka lifts 6-week lockdown between economic worries

Sri Lanka lifted a six-week lockdown as Covid cases and deaths are declining but will limit people’s movement for work and getting essentials only- which is running short in the island country between economic worries. The lockdown started on 20th August and was extended three times as Sri Lanka grappled with a Covid-19 surge caused by the delta variant. The government has boosted vaccination in recent months with more than 50% of the 22 million people fully injected.

New daily infections fell to below 1000 and deaths to under 100 from a peak of over 3000 cases and more than 200 deaths early September. The country has reported more than 5,16,000 infections and 12,847 deaths. Strict restrictions remain the same despite the lockdown ends. People are only permitted out for work or to buy essentials. Public gatherings are banned while cinemas, schools, and restaurants will still be closed.