Speaking to the Hiru News team, Fisheries State Minister, Kanchana Wijesekara has stated that health guidelines to be followed in the fishing industry in the country was released in order for the industry to continue without stalling.

Due to the emergence of the coronavirus cluster associated with the Peliyagoda fish market, the fishing industry in the country has been severely affected.

With the increasing number of patients, the health authorities have taken steps to close down fishing outlets across the country as a mechanism to control the spread of the disease.

Simultaneously, the sales, as well as the consumption of fisheries products, have declined sharply.

Meanwhile, some fisheries harbours were closed temporarily due to the low demand for products and since the stock of fish at these harbours could not be sold.

Around 300,000 kilograms of fish stock that was accumulated remains at fishing harbors currently.

The State Minister who spoke to the Hiru News team stated that any supplier who is unable to sell their products should inform the relevant Fisheries Harbor Manager.

The Ministry of Health, meanwhile, said in a statement that there was no scientific evidence that the coronavirus can be contracted by consuming well-cooked fish.

The announcement further stated that there is no need to close fish shops without a basis if the shop can be maintained in accordance with proper hygiene practices.