The COVID-19 Prevention Committee has decided to deliberate on the possibility of making the vaccination card mandatory for people to enter public places such as stores and restaurants. Health authorities have claimed that according to provisions of the COVID-19 Prevention Act legal action can be taken against those refusing to get vaccinated and advice have been sought from the Attorney General in this regard. The matters were deliberated when the Committee convened today under the patronage of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa via video technology. During the meeting President Rajapaksa has confirmed that the inter-provincial travel ban will be lifted as planned at 4am on Sunday.
Meanwhile, it has been revealed that health guidelines have been issued to resume classes for GCE Ordinary Level and Advanced Level students. The President has said that the guidelines should be conveyed to principals and steps must be taken to resume academic activities promptly.
The President’s Media Division said President Gotabaya Rajapaksa also advised the health and education sectors to deliberate on the possibility of resuming academic activities for first year students in state universities.
Furthermore, the Head of State has instructed to use mobile units to complete the vaccination process in rural areas. The President also issued instructions to track-down and take stern legal action against persons who circulate misinformation pertaining to vaccine effectiveness and the vaccination process.
Meanwhile, lengthy discussions were held during the COVID-19 Prevention Committee on allowing international fans to attend sporting events due to be held in the country in future.
Health authorities have claimed such fans can witness the matches and events by remaining in a bio-bubble.
Minister of Sports Namal Rajapaksa has claimed that several requests have been made by local and international organisers to permit spectators to stadiums during upcoming sporting events such as the Lanka Premier League.
