New health guidelines issued; multiple restrictions eased amidst new COVID variant

• Public gatherings, meetings & events prohibited until further notice
• Maximum 1/3 of usual capacity of the hall, not exceeding 200 persons allowed for weddings
• 250 persons are allowed for outdoor weddings
• No liquor allowed at weddings
• Number of persons allowed for cinemas and theatres has been increased from 50 to 75

By Sheain Fernandopulle 

The Health Ministry yesterday issued a set of new guidelines easing several restrictions effective from December 01 to 15.

According to the guidelines, public gatherings, meetings & events are prohibited until further notice unless prior approval is obtained from Director General of Health Services.
However, multiple restrictions have been eased despite the concerns raised following the detection of a new COVID variant called Omicron.

Accordingly, a maximum of 1/3 of the usual capacity of the hall not exceeding 200 is allowed for weddings while 250 can be accommodated in an outdoor function with no liquor served.
Earlier, a maximum of 1/3 of the usual capacity of the hall not exceeding 100 persons was allowed for weddings, while 150 persons were permitted when the function is held outside with no liquor served.

In addition, gyms can be fully operated, which was earlier restricted to 50 per cent while sports activities are allowed with no spectators.
The capacity that can be accommodated at cinemas and theatres has been increased from 50 to 75 per cent at a given time.

Besides, the capacity that can be accommodated at a restaurant has been increased to 75 persons to 100 while 150 allowed for outdoor events.
Meanwhile, only seated passengers are allowed in public transport.

Moreover, funerals can be held with the participation of 20 members within 24-hours of releasing the body.