Island-wide travel restriction in place until Monday (17)

COLOMBO (News 1st): The island-wide travel restriction imposed in a bid to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, came into effect at 11:00 pm on Thursday (May 13), and it will remain in effect until 4:00 am on Monday (May 17). Thereafter, a travel restriction will be imposed between 11:00 pm to 4:00 am daily until the 31st of May, Army Commander General Shavendra Silva, the Head of the National Operations Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) said. However, residents in the Western Province will be PERMITTED to travel ONLY to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine whilst the island-wide travel restriction is in place. The Apparel industry is also permitted to operate in strict adherence to COVID-19 health guidelines, despite the island-wide travel restriction, the Army Commander emphasized on Thursday (May 13). Also commenting on the matter, Police Spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana stressed that shops will NOT be permitted to open until 4:00 am on Monday (May 17), while the travel restriction is in effect. During the travel restriction ONLY essential services are permitted to operate, DIG Ajith Rohana told News 1st on Thursday (May 13). However, permission has been granted for pharmacies to operate delivery services for the benefit of those who require medication. The Deputy Police Chief also noted that the last digit of the NIC process will ONLY be implemented from Monday (the 17th of May). Accordingly, during the island-wide travel restriction period, which is in effect until 4:00 am on Monday (May 17), the last digit of the NIC rule will NOT be applicable since movement will be restricted across the country.