Strict health guidelines for Sri Lanka schools

COLOMBO: Schools have reopened partially in Sri Lanka after being closed for nearly three months, according to The Associated Press.

The move is seen as an attempt to return to normalcy from the months of lockdowns imposed to contain the coronavirus.

But the government decided not to reopen schools in the capital Colombo and its suburbs as the majority of recent COVID-19 cases are reported from those areas, according to The Associated Press.

The schools that reopened were under strict health guidelines such wearing masks, bringing home-cooked food, washing hands regularly and maintaining social distancing, said The Associated Press.

Sri Lanka closed schools in October when two COVID-19 clusters emerged, one centered on a garment factory and the other on the fish market.

Some reopened in November but closed again for holidays in December.

Sri Lanka has also banned public gatherings and imposed restrictions on public transport.

The confirmed cases from the two clusters have exceeded 44,500, accounting for most of the 48,000 cases reported in the country since the pandemic began.