Colombo [Sri Lanka], September 6 (ANI/Xinhua): The death toll from the COVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka surpassed the 10,000 mark on Monday, reaching 10,140, after 189 more deaths were reported, official figures from the health ministry showed here.

According to the health ministry, the total number of COVID-19 patients was 462,767 while the active cases rose to 68,070.

Also Read | Taliban Spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid Confirms Meeting Between Pakistan’s ISI Chief and Mullah Baradar.

Sri Lanka is facing a rapid rise in COVID-19 infections, and health workers said that the rise in patients in recent weeks was attributed to the Delta variant with the capital Colombo being the epicenter.

Hospitals have been filled with patients while crematoriums have also been working round the clock to cremate the dead.

Also Read | China's Military Looking To Buy Suicide Drones, Loitering Munitions or UAVs, Says Expert.

Health workers have warned that the situation may reach a peak in the coming weeks, and urged people to stay indoors as much as possible.

Sri Lanka is under a countrywide quarantine curfew until Sept. 13. (ANI/Xinhua)

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)