Health Ministry issues revised guidelines

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Issuing revised COVID-19 guidelines, to be followed between today and July 19, the Health Ministry said yesterday that examinations conducted by the Ministry of Education, could be held in accordance with health guidelines.  Inter-provincial travel would be banned for another 14 days, the Ministry of Health added.

Director General of Health Services (DGHS), Dr. Asela Gunawardena urged the public to comply with the guidelines as this was the key to keeping numbers down and to return to normalcy.

As per the guidelines, wedding receptions and other such events are banned, but marriages can be registered with the participation of 10 persons. Funerals must take place within 24 hours with only 15 people in attendance.

Pubs and bars, casinos, night clubs, betting centers, cinemas, theatres, museums, places of worship and swimming pools will remain closed. However, spas will be allowed to operate while hotels and guest houses can be opened under strict adherence to health guidelines.  

Courts of law could function with a limited number of persons attending.

The Health Ministry added that guidelines will be reviewed again on 19 July. The public has been urged to wear masks, maintain physical distancing and wash hands.