No lockdown, but ban on travel between provinces

The Government has decided to enforce a strict travel ban between provinces, instead of a lockdown which has been called upon by medical experts.

Army Commander Gen Shavendra Silva said from midnight today no travel will be allowed between provinces for a two-week period.

However, travel between provinces will be allowed for those travelling for duties or work-related to health, port, airport and related essential services and agricultural, Board of Investment, and the garment sector.

Meanwhile Gen Silva said that no person will be allowed to public places from September 15 onwards if the person has not taken both vaccinations for COVID19.

Earlier State Ministe Channa Jayasumna said the Government has no plans to fully lockdown the country, but will be imposing more restrictions.

He made the comments after a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat presided over by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

The meeting took place amidst several calls by medical experts that country should go in for a lockdown in view of the increase of COVID-19 cases as well deaths.

President Rajapaksa at the meeting called officials to pay more attention on those above 60 suffering from non-communicable diseases.

He had pointed out that death rate was high among the persons about 60 years and particularly those who have been infected by non-communicable diseases.

The President also pointed out that arrangements should be made to isolate those who have undergone kidney transplants or undergoing dialysis.

(Pix by Presidential Media Division)