Fresh health guidelines issued till end of year

The Health Ministry has issued fresh guidelines effective from today (16) till end of December (31).

The issued guidelines were imposed on several sectors to resume public and work-related activities until the end of the year, adhering to safety measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Accordingly, more attention is directed towards maintaining distancing, social etiquette and hand hygiene practices.

The health authorities are also encouraging 100 per cent vaccination for the target groups.

Official meetings and professional events are strongly encouraged to be carried out via virtual platforms while keeping to a maximum of 50 per cent of the capacity of the room in the case of physical meetings.

Private gatherings too are allowed with 50 per cent of the capacity of the hall or with participation of 10 persons within the house. However, outdoor private gatherings are not permitted.

Economic centers, Sathi pola, mobile vendors are open for wholesale and retail business under strict supervision of local authorities and Medical Health Officials. 

Restaurants are allowed to operate both indoors and outdoors with outdoor arrangements being encouraged. Accordingly, indoor restaurants can house 50 per cent of the capacity of the building while outdoor restaurants are allowed to have 150 persons one time.

Schools and higher educational centers including universities are allowed to function according to the decision of the Ministry of Education and University Grants Commission.

According to the guidelines, weddings too are allowed with 50 per cent of the capacity of the hall, with weddings in open places encouraged.

Funerals are allowed to be held within 24 hours of releasing the body. The funeral can have a maximum of 30 persons at any given time.