Stronger COVID-19 restrictions possible: Keheliya

• Acknowledges Govt. should have imposed stronger measures before NY
• But says Govt. ready to deal with increased virus numbers
• Believes public transport congestion will reduce with public sector WFH measures

Cabinet Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella yesterday acknowledged that the Government should have imposed travel and other limits during the New Year period but stronger COVID-19 restrictions could be imposed in the coming days.

Rambukwella responding to questions during the weekly Cabinet briefing acknowledged that stronger restrictions should have been imposed ahead of New Year holidays but argued the Government had placed faith in the people sticking to social distancing guidelines.

“Since the people were unable to celebrate Avurudu last year as well, the Government felt that with the roll out of the vaccine and lower infection numbers, the public should be allowed to celebrate the New Year. We expected them to take necessary precautions. Even now we are appealing to the public to adhere to these healthcare guidelines and support the Government effort to bring the virus under control,” he said.

However, Rambukwella insisted that the Government was taking all precautions against the new variant, which health officials have warned is capable of spreading faster. Nonetheless the Minister declined to give an update on the number of new ICU beds or measures to increase oxygen supplies.

“The Government is taking all steps to effectively deal with a resurgence in COVID-19 cases. The resources are being deployed and the Government will ensure that all steps are being taken to deal with these cases as it has for over a year.”

Minister Rambukwella dismissed concerns over possible virus spread via public transport insisting measures have been taken to reduce public sector employees. The circular in this regard was issued yesterday but the decision to reduce public employees reporting to work lies with the heads of respective departments.