The gazette notification on the new COVID-19 preventive regulations has been signed by the Minister of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi.

The Ministry of Health stated that the gazette will be published tonight (October 15).

The relevant gazette will enable legal action against those who do not comply with the health safety regulations issued by the government to control the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the new gazette, those who violate these health provisions can be penalized with a maximum fine of Rs 10,000 or 06-month imprisonment or both.

The gazette also makes provisions for operation and entrance to business and service places.

Accordingly, all persons entering business/service places must wear a face mask at all times and should maintain a social distance of at least 1 meter.

In addition, the body temperature of all those who enter the premises must be measured and adequate hand sanitizer should be made available.

Further, business/service places should maintain a register of contact details and NIC numbers of all those who enter the premises.

The number of employees or other persons at a time should not exceed the maximum limit.

The Gazette also seeks to further strengthen laws relating to special matters such as travel restrictions, quarantine and transportation.