By Chaturanga Samarawickrama  

Face masks will be phased out only after the country’s COVID-19 booster vaccination rate exceeds 80%, according to Health Services Director General Dr. Asela Gunawardena.  

He said the booster vaccination percentage in the country at present stands between 52% and 54%, which is not enough for us to be satisfied. Only if the booster vaccine rate exceeds 80%, we can be confident of instilling immunity in the country.  
Several other foreign countries have discarded face masks only after the booster vaccine has exceeded 80% of their population.   

Until our country reaches that target, we cannot remove the face masks. We have given the opportunity to get the Pfizer vaccine for those who did not get the first and second doses. Furthermore, by July, the first, second, and third booster doses will be available at any medical office or hospital.    

• The booster vaccination percentage in SL currently stands between 52% and 54%
• Those who have not got theirs first and second doses have been given the opportunity to get the Pfizer vaccine. 
•  Foreign countries have discarded face masks only after the booster vaccine has exceeded 80% of their population