Authorities yet to decide on relaxing or extending travel restrictions

COLOMBO (News 1st): A final decision is YET to be made on the relaxation or continuation of the Island-wide Travel Restriction after the 07th of June, the Ministry of Health said.

"The continuation or relaxation of the Travel Restriction following the 07th of June, will be decided based on the prevailing situation, the rate of COVID-19 patients reported in the days ahead, and the rate of contacts of infected patients," Dr. Hemantha Herath, the Deputy Director-General of Health Services told News 1st on Friday (May 28).

Whilst pointing out that there is a reduction in the rate of COVID-19 cases reported in recent days, Dr. Herath said this is due to certain measures implemented prior to the imposition of the Travel Restriction.

"The impact of the Travel Restriction can ONLY be realized after another 14-days. However, the situation is being reviewed continuously," Dr. Herath emphasized.

Responding to a question on whether the rate of PCR tests would be increased, Deputy Director-General of Health Services, Dr. Hemantha Herath said at present more than 18,000 PCR tests are conducted daily, adding that it will be further increased in the coming days.

Commenting on the Intermediate Care Centre facilities to treat the increasing rate of COVID-19 patients, Dr. Hemantha Herath said as of now, 149 hospitals and Intermediate Care Centres were established to provide treatment for patients.