No sports, social gatherings or extracurricular activities until further notice

Schools, universities instructed to give priority to academic activities

The University Grants Commission ( UGC) and the Education Ministry have sent instructions to university vice chancellors and school principals to refrain from organising any extra- curricular activities and sports, as academic activities began this week.

“Principals are requested to avoid from organising term tests, sport competitions and other extra-curricular activities during this time period. They should provide the necessary background only for the schools' learning processes to function,” an Education Ministry source said.

The UGC said permission will not be granted to conduct sports and other extracurricular activities in the universities , and no social gatherings will be allowed either due to the COVID-19 threat.

“Once academic activities and exams are over, students must return home. They should not remain in the university premises. No students will be allowed in the premises after 7pm ( even in the library) until further notice,” a UGC spokesperson said.

The spokesperson also said hostel facilities would be limited to one student in each room, and students would be encouraged to travel from their homes if possible.

The Education Ministry had also instructed school heads to make sure students with autoimmune diseases, severe asthma and respiratory illnesses and those who had recently recovered or are currently undergoing treatment or medication for diseases such as cancer, to refrain from attending school.

The Health Ministry's School Health Unit Director Dr. Ayesha Lokubalasooriya said even those with mild medical conditions should consult a doctor or their family physician before attending school as the COVID-19 threat was still prevalent.

Parents were told not to send their children to school if they had fever, a cough or cold or any other respiratory symptoms. (NF)