Overcounting of deaths led to extension of travel restrictions

The decision to extend travel restrictions from June 14 to June 21 had been taken, based on incorrect data, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said yesterday (18) morning during a meeting with the Special COVID-19 Committee at the Presidential Secretariat.

The decision had been taken, based on information received on 12 June that 101 deaths had been reported the previous day, the President said.

“It was revealed that some of the deaths had occurred during the four-month period from February 06 to June 11. Certain deaths had been counted twice. An in-depth investigation had revealed that only 15 died on 11 June.

It was also decided during the meeting to relax travel restrictions from 4 am on June 21; travel restrictions will be re-imposed and continue from 10 pm on 23 June to 4 am on 25 June, the President’s Media Division said in a media statement.

However, inter-provincial travel restrictions will not be permitted as per the instructions of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The restrictions imposed on public gatherings will continue as before.

“The heads of institutions in both public and private sectors should ensure that only a minimum number of employees come to work. Trade and economic operations must be carried out with the participation of a minimum number of people,” the PMD said.

These decisions were taken at a meeting with the Special COVID-19 Committee, headed by President Rajapaksa, at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday morning (18).

Dr. Prasanna Gunasena, Chairman of the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation said over four million vaccines had been imported so far, and at least another four million vaccines were expected in July and accordingly, a higher percentage of people could be vaccinated.

Ministers Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Gamini Lokuge, Bandula Gunawardana, Keheliya Rambukwella, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Prasanna Ranatunga, Rohitha Abeygunawardena, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, Namal Rajapaksa, State Ministers Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle, Prof. Channa Jayasumana, MP Madhura Withanage, Principal Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Health Secretary Major General (Retired) Specialist Dr. Sanjeewa Munasinghe, Commanders of the three-Armed Forces and the Heads of the Health Sector were also present at the meeting.