No closure of Manning Market despite COVID-19 cases

COLOMBO (News1st): The Manning Market in Peliyagoda will not be closed although seven people tested positive for COVID-19 at its premises, officials said. The patients were detected based on PCR tests that were carried out last Thursday. "To save the economy of the vendors and the farmers, we cannot close this down," Chandima Wickramage, the Public Health Inspector of Kelani said. He added that transmission of the virus can be curbed by following health guidelines. "There is no need to be afraid. This place is a good place to work while maintaining social distance," Lal Hettiarachchi, the president of the Manning Market said. He pointed out that the market cannot be closed as it would severely impact vendors.