Govt. introduces guidelines for Covid-19 alert levels

The Ministry of Health has introduced a set of guidelines to be followed by 55 sectors upon relaxation of public activities in response to Covid-19.

Pandemic 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 will need to be changed, the ministry said.

An alert level system has been introduced based on an understanding of public and work settings in Sri Lanka.

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)

As identified by the health ministry, Sri Lanka is currently at Alert Level 3.

Accordingly, schools, higher education centres including universities, tuition classes, cinemas, theatres, children’s parks, swimming pools, casinos, night clubs, spas, day rooms and homestays will remain closed at this level.

In the meantime, indoor and outdoor parties or events, public gatherings, carnivals, musical shows and beach parties will not be allowed.

Preschools, daycare centres, restaurants (dinning in), betting centres, hotels, rest houses, guest houses, supermarkets, shopping malls, financial institutions (banks, finance companies, pawning centres, etc.), clothing or textile shops, grocery stores, open markets, economic centres, bakeries, barber and beauty salons, furniture/electrical/hardware stores, laundries, tailors and dressmakers, communication and photocopy shops, courts, gymnasiums and indoor sports halls can function up to 50% of the capacity or customers that could be accommodated while adhering to the given instructions.

Places of worship are not allowed to carry out collective activities or gatherings, except for weddings with the permitted number of participants, as per the given instructions. The number of devotees at a given time should be restricted to a maximum of 25 people at any given time.

Weddings can be held with the maximum number of 50 guests and funerals (except Covid-19 deaths) may be attended by a maximum of 25 persons.

Meanwhile, government offices, private sector offices, the health sector and utility services (electricity, water, telecommunication, fuel stations, gas stations, motor garages, tyre services, postal services, courier services) can function with the minimum possible number of employees to maintain service requirements.

Restaurants providing takeaway and delivery services and wine stores are allowed normal operations with strong adherence to health protocols.

Public transportations services are permitted to transport passengers up to 75% of the seating capacity of the bus/train.

Meanwhile, private taxi services can function with the maximum number of passengers being limited to 2 for cars and three-wheelers. For other types of vehicles, 50% of the seating capacity is allowed.

Available walking space adequate for one person is 1.5m metres.

The health ministry said these guidelines are supported by the guidelines issued earlier.

See the full document below:

Guidelines for Alert Levels by Ada Derana on Scribd