Health authorities yesterday confirmed one COVID-19 death, which brought the country’s total COVID-19 death toll to 288.

According to a statement issued by the Department of Government Information, a 71-year-old individual from Ragama tested positive for COVID-19 while receiving treatment at the Welisara Base Hospital. She was then transferred to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases where she passed away yesterday.

The cause of death is cited as trauma of blood poisoning and COVID pneumonia.

Meanwhile, Cabinet Spokesman and Mass Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella yesterday said there has been no change to the Government’s decision regarding the disposal of the remains of COVID-19 deaths. The remarks were made in response to a question raised with regard to UN Human Rights experts on Monday urging the Government to end its policy to only permit cremations.

Rambukwella denied the claim that the Government’s decision to only permit cremations for COVID-19 remains was based on racism, saying: “We follow the procedure provided by health units and cannot take arbitrary decisions.”

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