New COVID-19 guidelines issued on X-mas cheer

Health Services Director General Dr. Asela Gunawardena yesterday made recommendations on how the public should celebrate Christmas this year in accordance with quarantine regulations.

According to a statement issued by the Health Ministry, the public is advised to limit shopping excursions this year and avoid going shopping as a family, and instead have one member from the family go shopping.  Persons are also requested to visit nearby stores, especially when they are not crowded.

When shopping, persons are requested to maintain the required physical distancing and purchase goods online as much as possible.

In terms of celebrations, the public should avoid organising large gatherings, and instead celebrate Christmas as a family. 

They should also avoid hugging and kissing, and maintain social distancing when greeting and wishing each other.

Families must also avoid taking elderly persons as well as those with chronic or non-communicable diseases to crowded gatherings or invite persons to their homes. The public should also limit going on vacation or visiting relatives.

In addition to these guidelines, the Health Services Director General adds that persons must wear face masks, maintain social distancing, and practice hand hygiene when leaving the house.