President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and the COVID19 Task Force have decided not to opt for an islandwide lockdown, despite multiple requested made by medical professionals.

The decision was made against a backdrop where COVID19 deaths are increasing at an alarming rate and the number of patients are soaring.

However, Army Commander Shavendra Silva announced that interprovincial travel further tightened ( with an exception to some services) for a period of two weeks with effect from midnight today (13).

He also stated that the vaccination card indicating fully vaccinated status mandatory in public places, effective from September 15.

Meanwhile, companies and businesses have been instructed to continue their work with minimum staff, in strict adherence to health guidelines.