The COVID Task Force has decided to extend the travel restrictions between provinces until October 21.

The decision has been made following a sudden increase was reported in the daily COVID19 cases yesterday. Accordingly, bus services between provinces will not operate until October 21, the Ministry of Transport said.

Meanwhile, a random test conducted in Maskeliya town hd identified 17 infected persons, said Maskeliya Medical Officer of Health D. Chandrarajan.

Rapid Antigen tests were carried out on people who entered the Maskeliya town yesterday. Authorities said 14 infected people from Maskeliya, Nallathanniya and Upkat areas and three infected persons had come from Dimbula Pathana and Badulla.