Booster dose for all those over 20 years - Health Minister

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said that all Sri Lankan citizens over the age of 20 will be given the COVID-19 booster shot from Wednesday (24).

The Health Ministry said the necessary programs for this purpose will be prepared in the coming days.

According to the Health Ministry, all those over the age of 60 are given the booster shot against COVID-19, while most countries have decided to administer the booster dose for those only over the age of 65.

The Health Ministry said that 380,213 Sri Lankans received the booster shot against COVID-19 as of Wednesday (24), and 74% of the total Sri Lanka population have been vaccinated.

In addition, 1.1 million children were given the vaccine, said the Health Ministry adding that another 200,000 children are yet to be given the vaccine.

Furthermore, the Health Ministry said that it was decided for Weddings, Cinemas, Restaurants, Hotels, and events to take place and operate under strict health guidelines.

However, on Friday (26), at a meeting with the President, it would decide on what restrictions need to be put in place.

The Health Ministry warned that if the guidelines are not followed, strict decisions will have to be made.