The government will not recall pregnant women in the public service to normal services with immediate effect, State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Prof. Channa Jayasumana.

Addressing the parliamentary session this afternoon (August 05), the state minister stated that a new circular in this regard will be issued by the Secretary to Public Services, Provincial Councils and Local Government.

In addition, the government has decided to call back other employees in the public service to work in two shifts per week.

A circular was issued last week, recalling state sector employees to work from the 2nd of August as per usual, with the intention of restoring normalcy in the public service. However, health experts raised concerns about the move, warning that ill-timed relaxation of restrictions in movement will lead to a surge in novel coronavirus infections.

During his parliamentary address, Prof. Jayasumana further said necessary measures will be taken to administer COVID vaccines to public servants aged below 30 years.

With the spread of Delta variant of concern, the demand for supplemental oxygen has soared and the oxygen manufactured in the country is entirely being used for the needs of patients, he said commenting on the exacerbating pandemic situation.

“Hence, we have made necessary arrangements to import oxygen from India and Singapore within the next two weeks.”

Prof. Jayasumana also pointed out that a considerable number of novel coronavirus infections were reported among those who attended wedding parties recently.