The quarantine curfew which is in force will be extended until 4 am on September 6.
The decision was taken at the meeting of the Special Committee on Covid-19 Control held at the Presidential Secretariat on Friday (27).
The progress of the vaccination drive was reviewed at length during the meeting. The President instructed to inform the Medical Officers of Health to submit requests for vaccines to cover those who are over 30 years and have not received the vaccines so far.
In the event anyone fails to obtain the first dose, it was stated that they are able to get the first dose from the centres where the second doses are being administered.
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said that local politicians should actively participate in the vaccine drive and encourage people in their electorates.
If anyone over the age of 60 or suffering from non-communicable diseases has contracted the virus, they should be hospitalised immediately.
The President said that such patients are being discharged early after being recovered following proper medical treatment.
Attention was also drawn to the issues concerning the deaths of non Covid persons. It was noted that last rites of such cases should continue to be completed within 24 hours, as decided earlier, if no one in the family is being quarantined.
Chief of Defence Staff and Army Commander General Shavendra Silva said that the program to conduct regular medical supervision of Covid-19 patients who are receiving treatment at home is now being implemented successfully.
The measures taken to meet the daily needs of the people during the quarantine curfew period was reviewed and the President emphasised the need to pay special attention to the daily wage earners and low-income earners.
Minister Basil Rajapaksa stressed the need to control the pandemic while managing the economy.
Minister Bandula Gunawardana explained the program implemented by the Sathosa to provide essential food items to people at concessionary prices.
State Minister Sisira Jayakody described the projects implemented by the State Ministry of Indigenous Medicine to provide Ayurvedic medicines to people covering the entire country to boost immunity.
Minister Dullas Alahapperuma said that all State and private media institutions are committed to educate the public on the pandemic and the steps that should be taken to protect themslves.
The Minister also said that the initiatives in this regard will be coordinated by the Ministry of Mass Media.
Specialist Dr. Prasanna Gunasena, member of the Special Committee on Covid-19 Control, said that it is the responsibility of the public to protect themselves from the virus by adhering to proper health guidelines.