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Inter-provincial travel restrictions extended

04 Jul 2021

  • Set to continue till 19 July

  • Restriction on family members outside the house at a given time relaxed 

  • Taxis can carry passengers up to seating capacity

  • Restaurants allowed to open subject to guidelines

By Buddhika Samamaraweera   The inter-provincial travel restrictions which are currently in place were extended till Monday 19 July yesterday (4) while several additional mild restrictions will continue to be in place within the Western Province. This was announced by the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr. Asela Gunawardena while specifying the new health guidelines applicable from today (5) till 19 to control the Covid-19 pandemic situation. The guidelines highlighted that the relaxed travel restrictions could, however, be revised based on changes in the pandemic situation and that the situation would be reviewed after 14 days starting from today. Furthermore, the guidelines issued by the DGHS emphasised that social distancing must be maintained at all times and proper hygiene practices, such as washing hands and wearing facemasks, must be followed as before. According to the guidelines, the previous restriction on the number of family members who can leave the house at a given time has been relaxed. Public transport services in provinces other than the Western Province can carry only 50% of the seating capacity, while in the case of the Western Province it is only 30%. Passengers are allowed to travel according to the number of seats in a taxi at any given time. The guidelines stated that utility services and other essential services can be maintained with a minimum staff, but it is advisable to encourage work from home whenever possible. It also stated that other government and private institutions could be maintained with a minimum number of employees and that it was up to the head of each institution to decide on the number of employees called to work. The employees of government and private institutions should also be encouraged to work from home as much as possible, it added. Corporate meetings can be held with the participation of only 10 persons on urgent matters, and workshops, seminars, and brand launches can be held virtually and physically with a maximum of 25 participants. Industries, including apparel, are not allowed to operate. Also, banks, finance companies, and pawning centres can be kept open, but the total number of customers should not exceed 10 at any given time. The minimum required staff should be called for service. Activities related to agriculture and plantation industry are allowed, with only 25 participants able to attend the “harvesting season” meetings. The guidelines further stated that outdoor trade and weekly fairs could be held under strict restrictions enforced by local authorities and that Economic centres will open only for wholesale trade. Registered mobile traders are allowed to supply essential goods. Registered street vendors can trade under the Health Regulations and retail stores can be opened subject to the Health Guidelines. Bakeries are allowed to be kept open, and only three customers are allowed to be served at one time. Furthermore, supermarkets can be opened to accommodate customers only to fill up about 25% of the space available at a given time. Shopping malls are allowed to open, but the public are not allowed to loiter, gather in groups, or engage in entertainment activities at these malls. Garages and other vehicle service stations can be kept open but should not be crowded. Tailor shops, communications, photocopy shops, clothing and textile shops, building construction sites, furniture sales outlets, hardware shops, laundries, and other retail service providers are allowed to operate in all the provinces. Court premises and court rooms in provinces other than the Western Province can operate with a maximum capacity of 50% of the total number of persons that can be there at one time (including staff). In the case of the Western Province the percentage is 35%. In addition, the public or prisoners are not allowed in the court premises or in the courtroom without a special permission of the judge. Judicial proceedings may be conducted at the discretion of the judge. Guests are not allowed to enter elders’ homes and prisons. Day care centres can be maintained at a capacity of about 50% and it is permitted to conduct examinations other than those conducted island wide by the Ministry of Education subject to strict health guidelines. Sports activities cannot be carried out collectively, but can be done individually. Gymnasiums and indoor stadiums can also be opened subject to health instructions. Swimming pools are not allowed to operate, and assembly on walkways is not permitted, while it is allowed to walk individually. Wedding ceremonies are not permitted but marriage registration is allowed with the participation of 10 persons, including the bride and groom. Funeral services should be held within 24 hours of the body's release, and only 15 people can attend. Indoor, private, and religious events are not permitted and libraries can be opened subject to health guidelines. Temples, kovils, churches and other places of worship, cinemas, and museums are not allowed to open. Carnivals and musical shows are not allowed, and parks, beaches, and rivers would be closed to the public. Dine-in, takeaway restaurants, hotels, and restrooms can be opened subject to health regulations while pubs and bars, casinos, nightclubs, and betting centers will remain closed. However, the guidelines stated that spas can operate.  


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