Health officials yesterday issued revised guidelines, which will be in effect starting today and will be reviewed further on 30 November.
According to the guidelines issued by Health Services Director General Dr. Asela Gunawardena, persons are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel in order to prevent further spread of COVID-19.
Starting 1 December, exhibitions and conventions will be permitted with strict adherence to health guidelines.
Virtual meetings are encouraged but a one-third venue capacity is applicable for official, corporate, and professional meetings and events, with a maximum of 150 persons.
Outdoor private gatherings are not permitted. Indoor gatherings can take place at one-third venue capacity, not exceeding 100 persons. Gatherings in a place of residence cannot exceed 10 persons.
Economic centres can remain open for wholesale business under strict supervision of local authorities and medical officers of health (MOH). Weekend markets, open markets, and mobile vendors can operate under strict supervision of local authorities and MOH.
Industries can operate as per guidelines issued.
Dining in at restaurants is permitted for one-third of the capacity, not exceeding 75 persons. Outdoor arrangements are encouraged for up to 100 persons.
A one-third capacity limit is applicable to shops, groceries, pharmacies and supermarkets and financial institutions are restricted to 15 persons at a time. Customers can obtain services from salons, barbers and tailors by appointment only.
The reopening of schools will be decided by the Education Ministry, but day-care centres and preschools are permitted to open. The University Grants Commission (UGC) will make decisions on the reopening of higher education institutes, including universities.
Vocational training institutes can have up to 50% capacity. Examinations that require physical attendance are permitted with strict adherence to health guidelines.
Tuition classes can be held for O/L and A/L students with a capacity limit of 50%.
Courts can function under the guidance of Judicial Services Commission, with adherence to health guidelines.
Cinemas, theatres and gyms are open to up to 50% of the capacity and sports activities are permitted, but without spectators.
Persons are encouraged to hold weddings in open spaces. A maximum one-third venue capacity, not exceeding 100 persons, is permitted for weddings. Outdoor functions can have up to 150 persons. Liquor cannot be served at weddings.
Up to 20 persons are allowed at a funeral at any given time.
Individual worshipping is permitted in places of worship, but special festivals and occasions must be held as per guidelines issued by the Health Ministry.
(FT)