A critical situation of spreading and emergence of COVID-19 sub-clusters has been observed away from the Western Province, Public Health Inspectors' (PHI) Union Secretary M. Balasuriya said.

He said though COVID-19 situation in the WP seems to have decreased, it has spread to other districts in the country.

According to the received data, COVID-19 sub-clusters began to emerge from the areas where the virus haven't been found in districts such as  Matale, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, certain areas of Kurunegala, Monaragala and Anuradhapura, he said.

He said the situation aggravated due to travel restrictions were imposed during the recent festive season and that paved the way for the deadly virus spreading to other districts. 

He said there is a slight decrease in the emergence of COVID-19 patients in Colombo North, however, the situation in Colombo South is still critical.

Nevertheless, the PHI union appealed that the people should continue to follow health guidelines. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)