The circular states, “As a considerable number of Coronavirus patients have been found in the country, it is the responsibility of the state institutions, semi-government institutions,
private sector and the general public to take measures to prevent the virus from spreading.

Therefore, I appeal to all concerned to follow the guidelines listed below to prevent this situation further aggravating into an epidemic in the country. Accordingly, all ministries,  district secretaries, divisional secretaries and government agents have been notified of these measures. The special task force established to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus  has already been established at 1090, Sri Jayawardenapura Mawatha, Rajagiriyaunder the leadership of the Western Province Governor Consultant Dr. Seetha Arambepola. They  can be contacted on the hotline 117 for information or complaints regarding the Coronavirus outbreak.

In addition all district secretaries and divisional secretaries should set up special offices regionally to educate the people of the Coronavirus prevention methods. With the  assistance of the police station in the area, all OICs should assign a police officer for each of these centres,” the circular read.

Further, the Grama Niladhari officers, family health workers, economic development officers and other ground-level officers should take measures to educate the rural populations  on the proper health practices needed to prevent the Coronavirus spreading and in the event there are persons suspected of being infected these regional offices should be notified.

However, despite a holiday being declared, Secretary Hettiarachchi noted that all services including food, water, medicines, water, electricity, health services and international  banking services should function as essential services.

He also urged the public not to be misled by false reports or rumours and rely exclusively on verified official news alerts for news related to the coronavirus.