Regulations gazetted

● Fine of Rs. 10,000 or 6-month jail term for violators ● Indicates rules to be followed when entering into an establishment and maintenance of the establishments

Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi signed the gazette paper pertaining to new regulations on COVID-19 which was issued last night.

Earlier, the Minister said the gazette would ensure that those who fail to adhere to health regulations would be penalised.

Accordingly, legal action would be taken against those who defy health rules and regulations such as maintaining social distance at public places and wearing of face masks.

The Health Ministry said with the issuance of this new gazette notification, court will be able to impose a fine of not more than Rs.10,000 and or hand down a six-month jail term.

In addition, this gazette notification indicates rules to be followed when entering into an establishment and maintenance of the establishments.

“All personnel should wear face masks when entering service and business establishments, people should maintain social distancing of at least one metre in public, service providers should check the temperature of all visitors entering to establishments and maintain a registry of visitors including their name, nic number and contact details. Ample hand washing facilities and sanitisers should be provided at establishments and their people capacity should not exceed,” the ministry said.

The Ministry said the Gazette would further strengthen laws relating to specific matters such as travel, quarantine and transportation.