By yesterday, the number stood at 11,400.  He said this during the daily media briefing of the National Operation Centre for the Prevention of Covid-19 yesterday.The intelligence units, health authorities and the police had advised them to stay indoors and self-quarantine. Sadly though, there is still a significant number who have failed to register with the police and heed the national call for safeguarding the country from this virus. Hence, the Army Commander urged these people to register themselves as soon as possible and assist in this endeavour.

He noted that every possible measure has been taken to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus and now it could only spread through them if they fail to cooperate.Currently, there are 3458 persons under observation at 45 quarantine centres and out of them 31 are foreigners from 14 countries.

He also said that due to the religious preacher who had visited the North for a religious service testing positive for the Coronavirus, curfew has been imposed in all five districts of the North and people are advised not to venture out of their homes until all those who had come into contact with this preacher have been identified.

This decision has been taken for the protection of the people of the Northern Province in Mannar, Vavuniya, Mulaithivu, Killinochchi and Jaffna.The Army Commander urged the Northern people to cooperate with the government’s efforts in ensuring their safety.Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva appealed to the people to stay indoors even when the curfew if lifted, maintaining their distance from one-another and only use public transport in case of an absolute necessity.

He especially urged the elderly to avoid crowded places and stay indoors and engage in their activities as much as possible.