Restrictions imposed due to COVID-19 in Sri Lanka are expected to be further relaxed from Saturday, 16th October, if the COVID Control committee which meets on Friday (15) is satisfied with the current situation.
The Health Ministry had earlier issued new health guidelines to be implemented after the lifting of the islandwide quarantine curfew on the 1st of October.
The guidelines consisted of two phases, with the first phase effective from 1st -15th October and the 2nd phase coming into effect from the 16th -31st October.
The DailyMirror yesterday reported that there might be a possibility for the current restrictions to be further extended on 16th October, without further relaxation as announced earlier.
However, a senior health official told NewsWire that a decision will only be taken on Friday (15) when the President meets with all stakeholders.
If the COVID Control committee is satisfied with the current developments, the following are the restrictions that will be further relaxed from the 16th of October.
- Persons permitted to leave home: For employment purposes, to obtain healthcare, and other essential services, including groceries and medicine.
- Physical official meeting/events: Maximum 25% of usual capacity, not exceeding 50 persons.
- Parties/ private gatherings (Indoor and outdoor): Not allowed.
- Weddings: Maximum 25% of usual capacity. Not exceeding 50 persons.
- Open spaces are encouraged. No liquor permitted.
- Funerals: Should be held within 24-hours of receiving the body. 15 persons at a given time.
- Religious places: No collective activities or gatherings.
- Restaurants:
Dine-in facility: 30% of capacity not exceeding 50 persons. No consumption of alcohol at premises.
Outdoor arrangements: 60 persons allowed. No consumption of alcohol at premises.
Take Away & Delivery: Allowed.
- Groceries, shops, supermarkets, pharmacies: 20% capacity at a given time. Number to be displayed.
- Economic Centres: Open for wholesale business, under the supervision of local authorities and MOH.
- Sathi Pola/ open markets: Open under the supervision of local authorities and MOH.
- Mobile vendors: Allowed under the supervision of local authorities and MOH.
- Financial institutions (Banks, pawning centres): Should be restricted to 5 persons inside at a given time. Remaining customers to stand in queues outside maintaining social distance.
- Industries: Normal functions as per health guidelines.
- Salons: Two customers at a time based on appointment.
- Schools: To open under the Education Ministry’s directive.
- Daycare: Open.
- Preschools: 50% of the capacity of attending.
- Tuition classes: closed.
- Cinema/ theatres: closed.
- Gyms: Operate at 30% capacity to a maximum of 10 persons.
- Walkways/ beach: Open. (NewsWire)