Govt. declares countrywide lockdown until Monday morning

… won’t affect vaccination drive in WP

The government has announced countrywide movement restrictions with effect from Thursday (13) 11 pm till 4 am, Monday (17) as part of overall measures to curb the spread of the raging Covid-19 epidemic.

Army Commander General Shavendra Silva told The Island that those attending ongoing Covid-19 vaccination programme would be exempted from the movement restrictions. He urged those living in the Western Province to get inoculated.

The Army Chief said that while those assigned for movement of essential services could travel during this period, others will be prohibited from doing so.

The government made the announcement in the wake of the Government Medical Officers’ Association, Sri Lanka Medical Council, Association of Medical Specialists and various other organisations calling for tougher actions to rein in the epidemic.

General Silva said that they expected the public to cooperate fully with measures now in place to fight the pandemic.

The failure to follow health guidelines could cause a catastrophe and might result in further intensification of counter measures, he warned. (SF)