• Closer to June 14, the situation will be reviewed again and a decision made on the instructions of the health experts
• Like decided earlier, only essential services will be allowed to operate

By JAMILA HUSAIN

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, yesterday instructed authorities to extend the islandwide travel restriction to June 14 to prevent the further spread of the COVID-19 virus, Army Commander General Shavendra Silva said.  

Silva told Daily Mirror that while it was earlier decided to lift the restriction on June 7, it will now be lifted on June 14 at 4 am.  The COVID-19 task force is reviewing the pandemic situation daily and is briefing the President on the present crisis. The Daily Mirror learns that closer to June 14, the situation will be reviewed again and a decision made on the instructions of the health experts.  
The ongoing travel restriction will not be relaxed at any time in between and will be imposed continuously till June 14.  

Like decided earlier, only essential services will be allowed to operate and those leaving their homes have been urged to carry a letter from their employer and state the reason of work.  

Meanwhile Silva said the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines will be administered in 12 districts from June 8 and will be given to pregnant women and senior citizens.  

Those who are eligible for vaccination have been requested to visit their nearest vaccination center along with their NIC and receive their vaccines.  

The areas where the vaccines will be administered are Nuwara Eliya, Matale, Kegalle, Trincomalee, Hambantota, Ampara, Badulla, Batticaloa, Monaragala, Anuradhapura, Puttalam and Polonnaruwa districts.