Health authorities say COVID-19 restrictions were eased for inbound travellers in recent days, since there is a considerable number of infected people within the country, at present.
Speaking during a media briefing in Colombo today, Deputy Director General of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath said, COVID decisions are been taken based on a scientific basis.
He said only those who are fully vaccinated arriving in the country are not being referred to a PCR or Rapid Antigen Test.
Dr. Hemantha Herath noted at the start of the pandemic, they took measures to prevent people from entering the country altogether, which helped control the spread of the virus.
He said however, now the country must function and therefore they are relaxing certain rules. Dr. Hemantha Herath noted that unvaccinated individuals will still be referred to COVID tests.
On a separate note, Deputy Director General of Health Services, Dr. Hemantha Herath stressed that a decision would be taken in the future regarding working hours of public and private sector employees, focusing on the spread of COVID-19 in the country and the current fuel crisis.
He said the Ministry of Health has not taken a decision to mandate or advise the public to work from home thus far.
Dr. Hemantha Herath although discussions have taken place, such decisions will be taken only after a thorough study.
He said technical committees discuss such matters on a regular basis.
Dr. Hemantha Herath also noted that they will resume vaccination of school children when schools reopen after the conduct of the Advanced Level Examination.
He said authorities and principals of respective schools will make the announcements regarding the resumption of vaccination.
Dr. Hemantha Herath urged all eligible persons to obtain the vaccine when the announcements are made.
