COVID-19 case count increases to 3,382 with two new cases

• Over 1,400 overseas arrivals included in total count
• 136 persons currently receiving treatment
• 7,052 persons undergoing quarantine

By Shailendree Wickrama Adittiya

The total number of COVID-19 patients identified in the island rose to 3,382; with two persons testing positive for the virus yesterday.

The total count includes 1,395 Sri Lankan returnees from abroad and 71 foreigners. The local cases include 950 Navy personnel, their close contacts and 651 persons connected to the Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre.

According to the Epidemiology Unit, there are currently 136 persons receiving medical care at various hospitals, including 51 persons at the Welikanda Base Hospital, 41 persons at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) and 21 persons at the Hambantota District General Hospital. The active cases include 23 foreigners.

Hospitals are also monitoring 49 persons suspected of having COVID-19.

The Epidemiology Unit adds that two persons were discharged from the Welikanda Base Hospital and one from the Hambantota District General Hospital during the 24-hour period ending at 10 a.m. yesterday. The total number of COVID-19 recoveries in the country has thus risen to 3,233.

Meanwhile, the National Operation Centre for the Prevention of the COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) stated that 303 persons from Qatar, 18 persons from Abu Dhabi, and 11 persons from India arrived in the island yesterday. All overseas arrivals have been directed to quarantine centres.

According to NOCPCO, a total of 7,052 persons are currently undergoing quarantine at 78 centres managed by the Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Navy and the Sri Lanka Air Force. 47,102 persons have completed the process to date. This includes the 19 persons released from centres yesterday.