Authorities likely to reduce quarantine days for returning citizens

• A final decision on this too is likely to be announced by the health authorities today

By JAMILA HUSAIN

Health authorities are likely to take a favorable decision to reduce the number of quarantine days for Sri Lankan citizens and foreigners residing here who are returning back to the country from overseas, following a request made by Army Commander and Head of National Operations Centers for Prevention of COVID-19, General Shavendra Silva.

The Daily Mirror learns that following a request by Silva, authorities will meet today to discuss the matter and come up with a favorable solution which might see the number of quarantine days reduced to seven. Presently, those returning back to Sri Lanka are required to undergo a mandatory 14 day quarantine period in a government run quarantine centre or an allocated paid facility. 

When contacted, Silva said he had made a request to reduce the quarantine days for returning citizens, where they could quarantine in a centre for seven days and the rest at home, if days are not reduced. He said it was up to the health authorities to take a decision. Silva has further requested for those returning to the country after being fully vaccinated, which includes receiving both the vaccination doses, to be relieved off the need for a quarantine completely where they are able to go home from the airport. A final decision on this too is likely to be announced by the health authorities today. Further, health authorities have also taken a fresh decision to reduce the number of quarantine days for Sri Lankan citizens and foreigners residing here, who need to travel on business overseas frequently. Such travellers will be subject to a PCR test on the fifth day of their quarantine after they return and if found negative, they can exit the quarantine. Those travelling on official tours, under a bubble, will also be subject to a PCR test on the fifth day of their return after which they can be relieved off the quarantine, once results are negative.

• Reduction of quarantine period for returning citizens, to be made seven days in a center and the rest at home
• Those returning after being fully vaccinated, which includes receiving both the vaccination doses, to be relieved off the need for a quarantine completely