Health guidelines issued for January

Revised health guidelines for public and work-related activities were yesterday issued by the Health Ministry for the month of January.

The guidelines will be amended as needed on 31 January, depending on the country’s COVID-19 situation.

The guidelines maintain that persons must avoid all unnecessary travel in order to minimise the risk of COVID-19 spread.

While workplaces can function as usual with adherence to COVID-19 safety measures, health officials encourage that official, corporate, and professional meetings and events are held virtually as much as possible. However, they can also take place with a capacity limit of 50% of the venue. Industries can operate according to guidelines issued by the authorities.

Indoor private gatherings are permitted at 50% of the venue capacity, but gatherings at a private house are limited to ten persons.

Outdoor private gatherings are not permitted.

With the exception of activities mentioned in the revised guidelines, Health Services Director General Dr. Asela Gunawardena stated: “Public gatherings, meetings, events are not permitted until further notice unless prior approval is obtained from the Proper Authority for the whole of 

Sri Lanka.”

Open spaces are encouraged for weddings, which have a 50% capacity limit. A maximum of 30 persons are allowed at a funeral at any given time.

A capacity limit of 50% applies to restaurants, with up to 150 persons allowed for outdoor dining. Shops, groceries, pharmacies and supermarkets can operate at 50% capacity at any given time.

Economic centres can open for wholesale trade, under strict supervision of local authorities and the area MOH. Sathi pola, open markets, and mobile vendors can operate as well, under strict supervision of local authorities and the area MOH.

Financial institutions are allowed up to 25 persons at any given time and the remaining customers are required to queue outside, maintaining a physical distance of 1 m.

Barbers, salons and tailors can only accept customers on an appointment basis.

The reopening of schools is decided by the Education Ministry and the University Grants Commission will decide on the reopening of higher education centres, including universities. Day-care centres and preschools can operate and vocational training institutes are permitted to function at 75% capacity.

Physical attendance for examinations is allowed with strict adherence to safety guidelines and tuition classes for grade five and above are allowed, with up to 50% of the usual capacity.

Courts can function under the guidance of the Judicial Services Commission, adhering to safety guidelines.

A 75% capacity limit applies to cinemas and theatres and gyms are permitted to operate. Sports activities are permitted, but without spectators.

Individual worship is permitted at religious places and guidelines will be issued by the Health Ministry for special festivals or occasions.

Exhibitions and conventions are permitted with adherence to safety guidelines, with a 50% capacity limit.