The Western Province and the Puttalam District will commence steps towards normality today (11) despite the curfew being in force in Colombo and Gampaha Districts.
This decision to allow the business and institutional operations to commence has been taken to facilitate the recommencement of economic activities return public life to normality, said DIG Ajith Rohana addressing the media briefing of the National Operation Centre for the Prevention of Covid-19 yesterday.
Around 10,000 police personnel have been deployed for service in the Western Province today (11). Travelling for private purposes in the Western Province is strictly prohibited and anyone defying it will be considered as having violated curfew regulations, said DIG Ajith Rohana.
State sector employees should report to work before 08.30 am today and private sector employees could report to work between 08.30 and 10.00 am. Meanwhile, in returning to their homes, all state sector employees are advised to use transport facilities between 3.00 and 4.00 pm while all private-sector employees should transport facilities between 4.00 and 5.00 pm. DIG Ajith Rohana said that these times have been allocated to facilitate the smooth flow of traffic and to allow for checking wherever required. However, he said that these guidelines are not applicable for those working on shifts. He noted that if anyone is travelling to work in their private transport, they need to be able to verify their purpose.
He also noted that as per the quarantine regulations, a trishaw can carry only two passengers and only three persons are allowed to travel in a car. As per the regulations notified to company heads, employees should only be brought to work from the administrative district of the office, unless the services of an employee from another administrative district is vital for the company’s operations. It is mandatory for all employees travelling to work to have a company ID or a letter, SMS or email from the company that could prove they are required to attend work.
Production centres, general shops and other essential service centres could open maintaining social distancing regulations, but massage parlours, cinemas, gyms and clubs have not been permitted to open. All salons could operate based on the approval given by the Public Health Officer after inspecting if they are operating in accordance with health guidelines. All hotels and tea shops serving cooked meals have not been permitted to open, but they could deliver online orders. All hotels providing accommodation could do so in accordance with quarantine guidelines, but restaurants have not been permitted to open.
The DIG stated that the public will be allowed to obtain essential commodities and medicines on the allocated dates based on their ID card’s last digit, but those who do not adhere to these guidelines would be charged under quarantine laws.
(Daily News)