Voluntary lockdowns by traders in several areas to control spread of COVID-19

Trade associations in several parts of the country have implemented voluntary lockdowns as the COVID-19 situation worsens with casualties mounting to over 6000.

At least 10 of the towns have had their shops closed down since Sunday with more expected to follow in the next few days.

Some of the trade associations have decided to close down for one week. Some of the areas where shops have been closed down are in Gampaha, Dankotuwa, Ambalangoda, Weyangoda, Dankotuwa, Serunuwara and Marandagahamula.

The moves came as the government announced a quarantine curfew from 10 pm to 4 am effective from Monday midnight and a string of other measures including ban on weddings and functions.

However, traders said that the nighttime curfew alone was not sufficient to contain the situation as the trading takes place within the day and the public gathers at markets during this period. Travel ban between provinces was being strictly enforced today at the borders with police checking persons attempting to cross the border. Some of them were turned away.

Meanwhile, trade organizations in the Badulla town have decided to close shops until August 18 while in Bandarawela shops will remain close until August 23.

The latest death toll due to COVID-19 on Sunday was placed at 161, while 3,435 cases were reported.

(Pix by Deepa Adhikari)

Gampaha town today