• of the 396 positive cases reported on Thursday, majority were reported from the Western Province

By Sheain Fernandopulle  

Reporting COVID-19 cases outside the Western Province remained at a lower rate, Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera said yesterday.   

Addressing the media, he said despite a decline in cases being reported out of the Western Province, a considerable number of cases were reported within the Western Province, especially from the Colombo Municipality.   

“Out of the 396 positive cases reported on Thursday (12), majority of 296 cases were reported from the Western Province among which 232 cases were from the Colombo Municipality.  

“However, we are of the belief that the COVID-19 cases within the Western Province will be reduced with the restrictions imposed on several areas and the number of PCR tests conducted in the province.   
He underlined that one of the most pivotal factors to contain the virus was to refrain from maintaining face to face contacts between people.   

Meanwhile, commenting on the Deepavali festival, which is to be celebrated today, Dr Samaraweera said Hindus should make sure that they would not assemble into one place to celebrate the festival and added if they do so, that would enhance the risk of spreading the virus.   

“The Hindus are kindly requested not to venture outside to celebrate the festival but to limit the celebrations to their homes, similar to the way we celebrated the Sinhala and Tamil New Year,” he added.   

• We are of the belief that the COVID-19 cases within the Western Province will be reduced with the restrictions imposed