Guidelines issued to public on resuming work under curfew

By Sandun A Jayasekera

With the relaxation of curfew in 23 Districts and the resumption of public and private sector work Island wide in a confined manner, the Police Chief C.D.Wickramaratne issued a set of guidelines and instructions to be followed by the public, employees and management of state and private sector establishments during the curfew.   

Accordingly, weekly fairs, daily fairs, fitness centres, spa and massage parlours, clubs, betting centres, liquor shops and taverns and other places where people gather in numbers are not permitted to open until further notice.   
In the event a person intends to travel from one District to another he or she must obtain a certificate issued by the MOH and those travelling to office within the District, a letter issued by the head of the department or an electronic image of the letter is required.   

It is appropriate that employees of the state sector reach their respective offices between 8.00 to 8.30 am and leave between 3.00 pm to 4.00 pm. When commuting by buses or trains health and security guidelines have to be strictly adhered to.   

Retail and whole sale business are permitted to function and pharmacies, groceries, telephone booths and repair shops, news paper agent shops and news stands, fashion houses, clothing shops, book shops, lottery stalls etc are permitted to be open. People are advised to go to the nearest pharmacy or boutique for purchasing requirements of medicine, food etc.   

The public are permitted to travel in a private vehicle between 10.30 am and 3.00 pm utilizing curfew permit and others should use the last two digits of the NIC when travelling in Districts where curfew is imposed.   
Small eateries, restaurants and wayside food stalls are not permitted to open. However, take away food parlous are permitted to operate under strict health guidelines. Super markets are also permitted to open and only two passengers are permitted in a three wheeler in addition to the driver. Car rentals like Uber and Pick me can commence operations and only 2 passengers can be accommodated in the vehicle.   

Hair dressing salons and beauty parlours can start their services with the required approvals obtained from the MOH. Private medical centres too can be opened with approval of the MOH. Tourist hotels are free to be kept opened with the exception of the restaurants, dedicated economic centres and other trading places and markets like the Manning Market and Dematagoda Fish market are permitted to open.   

All construction sites are permitted to open and resume construction work and the delivery and transport of all building materials are permitted. The management of building sites must ensure that only the essential number of workers are retained for work.   

In the event a person intends to travel from one District to another he or she must obtain a certificate issued by the MOH and those travelling to office within the District, a letter issued by the head of the department or an electronic image of the letter is required.