Some restrictions relaxed; inter-provincial travel banned for two more weeks

In new COVID-19 related guidelines issued yesterday, the Health Ministry relaxed some restrictions while extending inter- provincial travel restrictions for two more weeks.

The new guidelines issued by Health Services Director General Dr Asela Gunawardena allow more public participation in weddings, funerals and other social gatherings, provided they are held in keeping with health regulations aimed at curbing the spread of the pandemic.

However, relaxations of the restrictions are subjected to the epidemiological situation or the threat level in a particular area.

According to the new guidelines: State organisations have been advised to operate only with essential staffs but heads of state institutions can decide whether more employees are needed. Weddings can be held limited to 25 percent of the seating capacity of the venue with the maximum number of guests being 150 participants.

Essential meetings are allowed provided the number of participants are restricted to 25 percent of the venue's seating capacity.

Funerals, except in the case of Covid 19 deaths, are to be held within 24 hours of the release of the body from hospitals or inquirers to sudden death. Only a maximum of 50 people are allowed to take part in funerals. Places of worship are open for the public.

Industries including garment factories are also allowed to operate.

Public and open-air markets and weekly fairs can operate subjected to restrictions enforced by local councils.

Street and mobile vendors, retailers, grocery shop owners and bakers are allowed to operate. Supermarkets should allow only 25 percent of the total customer capacity at any given time. Retail and service related shops were allowed to operate under health guidelines. Dress makers, communications centres, furniture shops, laundries, libraries, both dining in restaurants and delivery services, spas and hotels are allowed to function while adhering to the guidelines.

Barber shops and beauty salons are only allowed to provide services only on appointments. Group sporting activities are not allowed, but individual training is permitted. Swimming pools, gymnasiums and walkways can remain open.

Cinema halls, theatres and museums are also permitted to be open but can only allow 50 percent of guests according to the seating capacity and space availability. Care homes and prisons will remain closed for visitors. Casinos, night clubs and betting centres will also remain closed.