he Health authorities jointly with the Armed Forces and the Police have stepped up measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the country as the number of positive cases have risen to 707 as this edition went to press yesterday evening.

The Government also directed that all employees of the Brandix garment factory and their family members to remain at their homes irrespective of the area of residence. These employees and family members should strictly comply with the health guidelines issued by the Health Ministry, a statement issued by the Information Department said yesterday. Family members of the Brandix employees who tested positive for COVID-19 are being taken to the quarantine centres by the Security Forces.

“The family members of infected employees should extend their fullest cooperation to the health authorities to stem the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus by preparing themselves to undergo the quarantine process,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, a Police curfew was imposed for Gampaha Police Division from 6 pm last evening in addition to the Divulapitiya, Minuwangoda and Veyangoda Police Divisions.

The Police Department in a release said that people in this Police Division should not go out of their homes unless for an emergency.

The movement of people in these areas have been restricted and no one is allowed to leave the area without the permission of the authorities concerned.

“None can enter these areas either,” the statement said

All long distance buses are prohibited from taking passengers from these areas.

Due to the police curfew enforced in the Divulapitiya, Minuwangoda, Gampaha and Veyangoda Police Divisions, trains plying on the main line will not stop at these railway stations.