Free at last! Incense burns as shops celebrate lockdown windback
Heavy monsoonal downpours failed to dampen spirits as people finally went out in public this week following a 40-day lockdown, and sweeping, dusting and purification rituals such as sprinkling of turmeric and incense burning were a common sight in many shops.
Permitted public activities, according to the Director-General of Health, Dr. Asela Gunewardena, include the reopening of wholesale economic centres under strict supervision of local authorities and the area Medical Officer of Health (MOH) while sathi pola (open markets) can be opened also under similar supervision.
The major economic centres attracted traders of fresh produce from all over the country.
Shops/groceries, pharmacies, supermarkets are allowed to open to 10 per cent of capacity from October 1-15. After that, 20 per cent capacity will be allowed in shops. The number of customers allowed should be displayed. Mobile vendors are allowed under supervision of local authorities and area MOH.
“All these days, we were selling behind closed doors. Customers were limited and sales were poor. We are now picking up sales even if it is a rainy weekend. By next week, we can expect more customers,” a grocery store owner in Nugegoda said.
Dining in at restaurants is not permitted until October 16, when 30 per cent of seating capacity will be allowed, with a cap of 50 persons. Consumption of liquor within the premises is prohibited but take-away and delivery orders are allowed.
Financial institutes (banks, financial companies and pawning centres) will be opened with limited customer intake. Barbers, salons and tailoring places are allowed to operate with two customers at a time after making an appointment.
Major towns attracted more vehicles, with people coming to banks, financial institutions and grocery stores, while entry points to Colombo saw heavy traffic on Friday as many state and private sector institutions recommenced work.
Despite fumigating and disinfecting buses and trains, Health Ministry’s inter-provincial restrictions resulted in train travel being delayed by another two weeks. Buses, too, operated only within provinces.
In the absence of trains and inter-provincial buses, Public Administration Ministry Secretary J.J. Ratnasiri in a circular issued on Friday urged state institutions to provide temporary transport for public transport using essential staff for a month or two. Those who have an official vehicle or receive transport allowance should report to work as usual while office carpooling was also encouraged.
“Action should be taken to prevent drivers of the officers, who obtain transport facilities, from gathering in their rest areas, dining rooms, vehicles etc. and attention should be paid to ensure that the health instructions are followed by them,” the circular said.
Labour Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva requested public and private bodies to arrange transport for essential employees until train and inter-provincial bus services resume.
The first 15 days of this month, meetings requiring physical attendance should not exceed 25 people and, from October 16-30, not exceeding 50 people. There will be no tea breaks or refreshments at such meetings.
Exhibitions and conventions will not be allowed and cinemas and theatres will remain closed.
Virtual meetings are strongly encouraged, the Director-General of Health recommended. The same advice was echoed by the Public Administration Secretary who encouraged the use of Zoom or Microsoft Teams for meetings, discussions, and conferences, saying these were safe and cost-effective.