• The set of guidelines under the first phase will be in effect from October 1 to 15 while the set of guidelines under the second phase will come into effect from October 16 to 31
• Parties /Private gatherings indoor/outdoor including inhouse gatherings :  Not allowed
• Barbers/Salons/Tailors : Two customers at a time on appointment
• Restaurants :  In dining not allowed from 1st to 15th. 15th to 31st 30% of capacity not exceeding  50 persons. No consumption of alcohol on-premises. If outdoor- 60 persons allowed
• Gymns:  Operate with only 5 persons at a given time adjacent equipment should not be used from the 1st to the 15th. 15th to the 31st  operate at 30% capacity to a maximum of 10 persons
• Schools: Preparation to open schools with total students below 200 will open as decided by Ministry of Education

By Sheain Fernandopulle

The Health Ministry yesterday issued a new set of guidelines under two phases to be followed in the month of October once the curfew is lifted from today. 

The set of guidelines under the first phase will be in effect from October 1 to 15 while the set of guidelines under the second phase will come into effect from October 16 to 31.

According to the new guidelines, interprovincial travel restrictions are to continue with exemptions for essential activities while all non-essential travel is not permitted from 10 p.m.- 4 .a.m daily.

Although trains will not be operated, buses will be in operation only within the provinces.

Public and shared transport should preferably be non-air-conditioned and windows should be opened while only seated passengers are allowed in public transport. All passengers should wear a mask properly during the time of travel.

All work settings should reduce the number of employees coming to work at a given time and where possible, adopt work from home. Essential services and industries are exempted and others should function with minimum required numbers, as decided by the Head of the institute. According to the new guidelines, all public gatherings and parties are not allowed until further notice. Meanwhile, the schools are yet to open, other than schools with total students below 200, which will be reopened as decided earlier while pre-schools are allowed with 50 percent of capacity while tuition classes are not allowed to be conducted. Universities will commence functions as per guidelines. When it comes to holding of weddings, registration of marriage with a maximum of 10 participants can be held under the first phase while under the second phase, weddings can be held with a maximum 25% of the usual capacity, not exceeding 50 persons with no liquor to be served. Funerals should be held within 24hrs of releasing the body; 10 and 15 at a given time under the first and second phases respectively. No collective activities or gatherings are allowed at religious places while cinemas and theatres will remain closed.

• All work settings should reduce the number of employees coming to work at a given time and where possible, adopt work from home. Essential services and industries are exempted and others should function with minimum required numbers, as decided by the Head of the institute