• Prior approval needs to be taken from the Director General of Health Services before organising public gatherings
• Existing guidelines allows events including weddings to be held with over 50 percent of capacity

By Sheain Fernandopulle  

The existing health guidelines which were issued effective from January 01 to 31 has been further extended until the end of February, the Health Ministry said.  Accordingly, the existing guidelines will be in effect until February 28.   

As per the guidelines, prior approval needs to be taken from the Director General of Health Services before organising public gatherings.  

However, the existing guidelines have allowed many events including weddings to be held with over 50 percent of capacity despite the vast Omicron spread in the country.  

Commenting on the situation, Deputy Director General of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath urged people to stringently follow health practices while taking the booster dose in due time.