Jayasumana takes exception to reopening liquor bars so soon

State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals, Prof.  Channa Jayasumana said yesterday that it was not a good time to reopen liquor bars.

The Minister said that it was highly unlikely that travel restrictions would remain in force after 01 October as the government was reaching the pandemic control targets.

“If everyone acts with responsibility we will be able to lift the travel restrictions as planned on 01 October,” he said.

Prof. Jayasumana said that they had not decided to reopen preschools. The task force on COVID was discussing it as well as the reopening of schools. “UNICEF believes that a school is the last place to be closed down as a COVID control mechanism. So, we will reopen them as soon as the opportune moment comes,” he said.

He also said that the decision to vaccinate schoolchildren had been taken on expert advice.