Presidential Secretariat: Decisions on curfew, isolation stem from in-depth analysis

By Sandun A. Jayasekera 

While curfew remained in force at Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Puttalam, Kandy and Jaffna which were identified as high-risk districts by the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 (NOCPCO), curfew was lifted yesterday in other parts of the country at 6.00 a.m. and re-imposed at 2.00 p.m.  Meanwhile, the Presidential Secretariat said decisions with regard to imposing curfew, identifying localities to impose curfew and declaring of isolated areas were taken at the highest level following in-depth analysis of data received. 
If there were any information that suggests changes to ongoing curfew hours, the same should be forwarded to the Presidential Task Force on Prevention of COVID-19. However, the Presidential Secretariat said yesterday the government announced that no decision should be taken at the regional level that could inconvenience civilian life. 
Earlier, Army Commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva had requested wholesale and retail traders who were not in high-risk districts to strictly adhere to health guidelines and safety measures as the public would throng their retail outlets to purchase essential food commodities during the eight-hour period the curfew would be relaxed. 

The police and army had been instructed to apply the law strictly on those who violate curfew regulations and ignore health advisories and safety instructions. 
“Travelling to and from all districts has been prohibited except for the purpose of providing essential services. Those who misuse regulations introduced with the aim of continuing essential services will be dealt with. Since the sole purpose of these measures was to ensure the well-being of the people, the government requested the public to follow the guidelines in a responsible manner,” the Presidential Secretariat said. 

The police and army had been instructed to apply the law strictly on those who violate curfew regulations and ignore health advisories and safety instructions