Travel restriction relaxed; public urged ONLY to visit nearest shops

COLOMBO (News 1st): The island-wide travel restriction was relaxed at 4:00 AM today (May 25); the travel restriction will be re-imposed at 11:00 PM tonight (May 25) across the island. "Once the travel restriction is relaxed, one individual from each household is expected to visit the nearest shop to purchase the food and medicines. If this is not followed, there will be no effect in the travel restriction imposed," Army Commander General Shavendra Silva, the Head of the National Operations Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) sternly advised the people on Tuesday (May 25). According to the Army Commander, information has been passed through the Divisional Secretariats as to which shops can open when the travel restriction is relaxed. "Therefore, the people are requested to travel by foot to the nearest shop and purchase the needful instead of travelling long distances by vehicles," Army Commander General Shavendra Silva noted. ONLY shops that sell food and pharmacies can open while the travel restriction is eased; NO other shop is permitted to open for operations, General Silva further emphasized. "SATHOSA outlets and Co-operative Stores will be open on the days the travel restriction is eased; permission has also been granted for all SATHOSA outlets and Co-operative Stores to remain open while the travel restriction is in effect to sell essential items via mobile methods," he noted. According to Army Commander General Shavendra Silva, the residents in areas that are under isolation, will NOT be permitted to visit outdoors while the travel restriction is relaxed, given that COVID-19 positive cases have been reported from such areas. The Army Commander further noted that mobile vendors were encouraged to assist the general public to fulfill their daily requirements; "If someone is using rented vehicles to sell vegetables or fish and other food items, this should not be a problem," General Silva added. "Limit travelling by vehicles as much as possible. Except for those travelling for essential services, others are NOT permitted to travel by vehicles," General Shavendra Silva further emphasized. Whilst pointing out that bank services will require to operate given the salary concerns, the Army Commander noted, "However, if a bank resumes operations while the travel restriction is eased, operations should be conducted with the minimum number of staff." Round 01 25th May 2021: Travel Restriction LIFTED at 4:00 AM Round 02 25th May 2021: Travel Restriction RE-IMPOSED at 11:00 PM 26th May 2021: Travel Restriction in effect 27th May 2021: Travel Restriction in effect 28th May 2021: Travel Restriction in effect 29th May 2021: Travel Restriction in effect 30th May 2021: Travel Restriction in effect 31st May 2021: Travel Restriction LIFTED at 4:00 AM Round 03 31st May 2021: Travel Restriction RE-IMPOSED at 11:00 PM 01st June 2021: Travel Restriction in effect 02nd June 2021: Travel Restriction in effect 03rd June 2021: Travel Restriction in effect 04th June 2021: Travel Restriction LIFTED at 4:00 AM Round 04 04th June 2021: Travel Restriction RE-IMPOSED at 11:00 PM 05th June 2021: Travel Restriction in effect 06th June 2021: Travel Restriction in effect 07th June 2021: Travel Restriction LIFTED at 4:00 AM