The Health Ministry said a new set of guidelines, which is supported by the previous guidelines issued by the Ministry on the relaxation of public activities in response to COVID 19, has been issued based on Alert Level System.
It said that the COVID 19 situation in the country is subject to change from time to time and level of activity permitted and the number of people engaged in these functions is required to change.
The alert level system introduced based on an understanding of public and work settings in Sri Lanka, is as follows,
Alert level 1- Cases reported are only those coming from outside the country (detected in quarantine); no clusters
Alert level 2- One cluster of cases
Alert level 3- Several clusters in different districts
Alert level 4- Cases are appearing with no connection to any cluster - Community transmission
The latest set of guidelines is applicable to the entire country.
According to the new guidelines, the schools, higher education centres including universities and tuition classes in areas under the alert level 3 and 4 remain closed while pre-schools and day-cares in areas under the alert level 3 can be operated with only 50% of capacity.
When it comes to holding of weddings, weddings in areas under alert level 1 can be held with adherence to health guidelines, weddings in areas under alert level 2 can also be held with the number of guests not exceeding 50% of the seating capacity of the hall up to a maximum of 200 guests adhering to the instructions given.
Weddings in areas under alert level 3 are allowed with a maximum of 50 guests adhering to the instructions given while under alert 4, weddings can be held with a maximum of 20 guests adhering to the instructions given.
Cinemas, theatres, children’s parks, carnivals, musical shows and beach parties in areas under the alert level 2 can be held with 50% capacity while they are not allowed in areas under alert level 3 and 4.
The Ministry introduced the DReAM set of major precautions to be taken in response to Covid-19 and these are applied in the guidelines mentioned. It is re-emphasized that strong observance of DReAM is required
D-Social Distancing, no gathering, mainly stay at home
Re-Respiratory Etiquette,
A- Aseptic practices (hand wash, hand sanitizing)
M-Proper use of Mask)
