COLOMBO (News 1st); The Independent Technical Expert Group on COVID-19 says extending lockdowns past August 31st is projected to reduce deaths from COVID-19.

“If the lockdowns are extended to September 18 and October 2, respectively, 7,500 and 10,000 deaths can be prevented relative to a release of lockdown on August 31st,” they said quoting the Monash University.

They stressed that the lockdown needs to be extended to at least 18th September and this needs to be strongly enforced with strict household compliance.

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