(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) – The island-wide quarantine curfew in Sri Lanka that was in effect for 41 days, was lifted at 4.00 a.m. Friday (October 01).
The government imposed the quarantine curfew on August 20 to control the rapidly spreading fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic
However, the government decided to reopen the country from today subject to restrictions as there is a significant reduction in the number of daily COVID-19 cases and deaths.
Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said steps will be taken this time to rectify the mistakes made in the past.
From today, the country will be open under a new set of health guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health yesterday for the public to follow after the curfew is lifted.
Inter-provincial travel restrictions still remain to be in effect except for essential services. .
As per the new guidelines, all non-essential travel is restricted from 10.00 pm to 04.00 am daily. Minister Keheliya Rambukwella stated that only the essential services are allowed to travel every day from 10 pm to 4 am the next day.
Public transportation can only carry passengers up to seating capacity and air-conditioned vehicles should not be used on public transport and windows should be left open.
The number of employees called to work should always be limited and they should be encouraged to work from home whenever possible. The number of employees to be called should be decided by the head of the institution.
Public meetings are also prohibited until further notice. Exhibitions and conventions are also not permitted. Collective activities in places of worship such as temples, churches and kovils are also prohibited. Festivals, parties and gatherings are not allowed.
The guidelines state how to carry out permitted public activities from 2021.10.01 to 2021.10.31. Accordingly, the guidelines have been issued from October 1 to 15 and from October 16 to 31.
Guidelines from October 1st to 15th:
Festivals, parties, gatherings are not allowed.
Restaurants are not allowed to open.
Movie theaters are closed.
Exhibitions and conferences are not permitted.
Permission has been granted for agriculture.
You can make an appointment for a barber shop or a beauty salon.
Schools with less than 200 students can be opened.
Day care centers open.
Pre-schools can operate at 50% capacity of children.
Higher education institutions, including universities can in accordance with the guidelines .
Walking lanes, beaches open.
Weddings, marriage registration can be done with the participation of 10 people.
Only 10 people can be present at any time for a funeral.
Collective activities or meetings are not allowed in places of worship such as temples, churches and kovils.
Industries can operate in accordance with health guidelines.
Exams can be held according to the guidelines provided.
Tuition classes are not allowed.
