Sri Lanka exceeds 10,000 mark in terms of COVID-19 cases

Sri Lanka yesterday surpassed 10,000 in terms of the number of COVID-19 cases diagnosed in the country so far.

Meanwhile, 633 COVID-19 cases were diagnosed in Sri Lanka on 30th October 2020. The majority of them belonged to the Peliyagoda cluster. Brandix and Peliyagoda fish market clusters increased to more than 6,500.  

The total number of COVID-19 cases were at 10,424 by the end of the day. 

Director of the Epidemiology Unit, Dr. Sudath Samaraweera said that the spread of the virus was very high.

Health sources say that thousands of more reports of the PCR tests are to be received. There is a delay in receiving reports.

Sharp increase in salt price in Sri Lanka

Table salt price in Sri Lanka has sharply risen, in addition to the other commodities, the consumers complain.

Market sources say that the price of a 50kg bag crystal salt has gone up from Rs. 675 to Rs. 950.

Ministry of Fisheries sources says that the price has gone up due to the increased use of salt for preserving fish. The price of fish has dropped sharply since the consumers are afraid to eat fish due to the spread of COVID-19 in the country's main fish market, Peliyagoda and several fisheries harbours. 

However, health officials advise the consumers that well-cooked fish cannot spread COVID-19. 

A large number of fish vendors and fishermen have lost livelihood due to the prevailing situation. 

Sri Lanka's salt industry is hit by rains caused by climate change and shortage of labour, industry sources say. The island imports salt and the main supplier is China.