Tuition classes for G.C.E. Ordinary Level and Advanced Level will be allowed to resume from November 16 with 50% of the usual capacity of students, the Director-General of Health Services announced.

This was mentioned in the revised guidelines issued by Dr. Asela Gunawardena pertaining to the continuation of activities in public and work settings. The guidelines will be in effect from November 01 – 15.

According to the communiqué, the health authorities will review the pandemic situation and issue the relevant guidelines to be followed after November 15.

The health services chief noted that there is still a risk for escalation in virus transmission due to cluster formation although a significant control of the COVID-19 epidemic in the country is achieved.

As per the guidelines, weddings are permitted with a maximum of 1/3 of the usual capacity of the hall, however, the number of guests should not exceed 100. For outdoor weddings, 150 people in total are allowed.

Funerals are given the nod to be held within 24 hours after the body is released and with the participation of a maximum of 20 people at a given time.

Functions of schools will meanwhile continue as decided by the Education Ministry. Day-care centres will remain open and preschools are allowed to operate with 50 per cent of the capacity attending.

Meanwhile, higher education centres including universities are green-lighted to function in compliance with health guidelines.

With regard to the continuation of functions at workplaces, Dr. Asela Gunawardena noted that the number of employees coming to the office can be limited while encouraging work from home. This however does not apply to essential services. The number of employees who can physically be present at work can be decided by respective heads of institutions. Meanwhile, the guidelines noted that breastfeeding mothers are required to report to work following the end of their vacation.