Mar 29, Colombo: Bandarawela Police Superintendent Athula de Silva has stated that although curfew will be lifted tomorrow (30) in Badulla district, steps have been taken to close four major towns of the district in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus.

SP Athula de Silva told Lankadeepa it was announced by loudspeakers that Welimada, Bandarawela, Haputale and Diyatalawa towns are closed and asked people not to visit the four towns.

Arrangements have been made to transport essential food items to outlets in villages and towns outside the cities, he said.

The Superintendent of Police added that the measure to close the towns was taken due to the risk of crowds gathering in the city center after the curfew is lifted.

He also said that the owners of all the shops in the towns which are to be closed tomorrow (30), have agreed to close their shops.

Meanwhile, the Coronavirus Prevention Task Force has decided today to close the Horowpathana town from tomorrow (30) due to the prevailing situation although the existing curfew will be lifted in Anuradhapura District, Divisional Secretary R. Senthil said.

The official said the decision is not valid only for financial institutions and pharmacies and the people could buy other essentials from the mobile trade vehicles that come to the villages.

He added that the Divisional Secretariat has issued a special permit for mobile trade vehicles and no one else is allowed to sell goods.