• Total patient count rises to 91,181, includes 86,571 from triple cluster
• 54,194 COVID-19 positive persons detected from Western Province
• 2,743 persons under medical care, recoveries rise to 87,881

By Shailendree Wickrama Adittiya

A total of 163 associates of the Peliyagoda COVID-19 cluster tested positive for the virus yesterday, pushing the country’s total COVID-19 patient count to 91,181.

With the detection of yesterday’s patients, the Divulapitiya, Peliyagoda and Prisons clusters have expanded to 86,571 patients.

In addition to the triple cluster, 2,544 Sri Lankan returnees from abroad, 950 Navy personnel and their contacts, 651 persons linked to the Kandakadu cluster, and 193 foreigners have also tested positive for COVID-19 in the island.

A total of 29,472 patients from Colombo, 18,146 patients from Gampaha, 6,574 patients from Kalutara, 4,169 patients from Kandy, and 2,786 patients from Ratnapura have been detected to date.

According to the Epidemiology Unit, 2,743 persons are currently under medical care, including 121 persons at the Neville Fernando Teaching Hospital, 121 persons at the Embilipitiya Treatment Centre, and 102 persons at the Krishnapuram Treatment Centre.

Hospitals are also monitoring 409 persons suspected of having COVID-19.

The Epidemiology Unit adds that 251 persons were discharged from hospitals yesterday, having recovered from the virus. This includes 45 persons from the Ichchilampattu Hospital, 39 persons from the Lunawa District Hospital, and 21 persons from the Embilipitiya Treatment Centre.

The country’s total COVID-19 recoveries currently stand at 87,881.

On Wednesday, 8,618 PCR tests were performed and 253 persons tested positive for COVID-19. The patients include 229 associates of the Peliyagoda COVID-19 cluster, 15 overseas arrivals, and nine persons linked to the Prisons cluster.

With reports of India restricting exports of the AstraZeneca vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute of India in order to meet growing local demand, Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals State Minister Channa Jayasumana said the country has 400,000 doses set aside for the second dose, which will be administered to persons starting 10 April.

“We are able to administer the second dose until the end of May,” he said.

Jayasumana went on to say: “We are currently holding discussions with India on a diplomatic level and we have been unofficially informed that steps are being taken to provide Sri Lanka with 500,000 doses so getting the second dose will not be an issue.”

The State Minister added that 600,000 doses of vaccines from China are expected within a week.  

Three COVID-19 deaths bring fatalities to 557