The President’s Media Division (PMD) issuing a statement said health authorities had become concerned after hundreds of thousands of people flocked to the streets when curfew was lifted this morning to purchase essential goods and obtain other services.

A new Task Force is to be established under former Minister Basil Rajapaksa to deliver parcels of essential goods to households from Wednesday. Ministry secretaries, divisional secretaries and other top officials will be members of the Task Force, the PMD said.

All major supermarkets and Lanka Sathosa as well as large traders such as Araliya and Nipuna will make available the necessary produce. Vehicles used for deliveries will be allowed to travel during the curfew period.

Health Services Director General Dr. Anil Jasinghe on Monday warned that 11 COVID-19 patients had been identified from the Kalutara District and called for people living in the area to be additionally careful.

(ft.lk)