With the aim of restoring normalcy in civilian life, while the quarantine curfew is being implemented the Police Spokesman SSP Jaliya Senaratne has issued a set of guidelines to be followed in order to prevent the spread of the COVID 19 virus.
The government has decided to commence the restoring normalcy in civilian life, with effect from yesterday (May 11), while the quarantine curfew is being imposed. Accordingly, it is essential to focus on the following matters:
Restoring normality in civilian life while the quarantine curfew is imposed in Colombo and Gampaha districts.
1. It is decided to open public institutions/offices by calling only the essential number of employees. These employees can use their official identity card, a letter by their institute, or an electronic copy of that letter as a curfew permit.
Public officers travelling by their private vehicles and by vehicles provided by the relevant institution should come to the workplace before 08.30 hours and should leave the office between 15.00 – 16.00 hours. However, the above times are not relevant for government factories and public institutions that are functioning according to a duty roster.
Employees of private institutions/offices travelling by their private vehicles and by vehicles provided by the relevant institution are expected to arrive at their workplace between 08.30 – 10.00 hours and the vehicles that are transporting employees after the duty, should leave between 16.00 – 17.00 hours.
In transporting passengers through public transport services (trains and buses) respective bus owners, drivers and conductors should take action to maintain the health guidelines.
Wholesale and retail shops that discharge essential services for the public and that sells foods and goods will be permitted to open. Accordingly, pharmacies, groceries, telephone outlets, textile shops, books and newspaper stalls, and lottery sales outlets are also permitted.
Although the shops are opened in the above manner, for purchasing goods and services, the public should visit the shop or service centre which is in the nearest proximity to their residence.
Personal vehicles that have obtained curfew permits to go out for civilian needs are permitted to travel only between 10.30 hours to 15.00 hours. However, any person travelling out of home, for personal activities, should follow the health guidelines such as wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing.
Furthermore, it will be permitted to go out without a curfew permit for personal needs such as buying essential food items, obtaining essential services, or purchasing pharmaceuticals, according to the last digit of the National Identity Card number. Accordingly, Monday for 1,2 digits, Tuesday for 3,4 digits, Wednesday for 5,6 digits, Thursday for 7,8 digits, and Friday for 9,0 digits.
However, individuals, who are under quarantine/self-quarantine, and their family members will not be allowed to travel as above, until they receive the MOH certificate.
Permission has not been granted to open canteens, kiosks where food is served and restaurants. The decision on opening them for the public will be made in due cause.
Food Delivery services which have already obtained licenses are allowed to carry on their operation.
Supermarkets are permitted to resume operations and proprietor and employees are responsible to follow the relevant health and safety regulations.
Only two (02) adults except the driver are authorized to travel by a trishaw. Rented cars (Uber, PickMe etc.) are allowed and only three (03) adults except the driver are permitted to travel. Health and safety measures should be followed while travelling. However, vehicles including buses that are operated to carry employees of the state and public sector organizations and factories, are allowed to carry passengers to the number of seats available.
Salon and beauty parlours are allowed to open and it is compulsory to obtain a certificate from Regional Medical Officer (RMO). Permission has been granted to open private medical centres. A certificate of from Regional Medical Officer (RMO) should be obtained.
Even though permission has been given to open tourist hotels, restaurants operated under such hotels are not authorized to open until further notice. Permission has been granted to operate Manning Market-Colombo, economic centres and wholesale business centres, subjected to quarantine regulations and health and safety legislations.
Permission has been given to resume work at construction sites and transportation of items related to the construction industry (stones, sand, tile, bricks) is also allowed. The following institutes/places are not permitted to open for its operation, until further notice.
i) Market places (weekly fair, daily fair etc.) and mass-markets (such as Pamunuwa - Maharagama)
ii) gymnasium
iii) Spa
iv) Clubs
v) Betting Centres
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