(UTV | COLOMBO) – The Government has so far not taken any decision to extend the travel restrictions currently in place beyond June 7, said Chief of Defence Staff, Army Commander and Head, National Operations Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) General Shavendra Silva.
The Head of NOCPCO said, “There are rumours being circulated that the Government had decided to extend the travel ban. This is not true and the public should be cautious regarding such false WhatsApp messages being circulated. In the event we decide to extend the travel ban, it would be notified to the public through the mainstream news channels and the Government Information Department. Now almost all the mainstream news channels run their breaking news operations and within minutes the news would be aired in the event such a decision is taken by the government. Hence, people should trust only in such credible news sources and not unverified messages that are circulated.”
The Army Commander said that the situation will be monitored and discussed with medical experts and the relevant institutions, adding that the situation would be monitored over the next few days before a final decision is taken on whether or not to extend the travel restriction beyond June 7.
He said that the impact of the measures taken by the Government at present will only manifest after June 10, adding that the current situation could be maintained at a stable level due to the action taken in May.