Sunday Dec 15, 2024
Sunday Dec 15, 2024
Wednesday, 24 February 2021 00:28 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Shailendree Wickrama Adittiya
A total of 492 persons tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday, bringing the country’s COVID-19 patient count to 81,009.
The patients detected yesterday include 477 associates of the Peliyagoda COVID-19 cluster and 15 persons linked to the prisons cluster. The Divulapitiya, Peliyagoda, and Prisons triple cluster has thus risen to 76,905 patients.
In addition to the triple cluster, 2,010 Sri Lankan returnees from abroad, 950 Navy personnel and their contacts, 651 persons linked to the Kandakadu cluster, and 180 foreigners have also tested positive for COVID-19.
In terms of the district distribution of COVID-19 patients, the Epidemiology Unit records 27,525 patients from Colombo, 16,146 patients from Gampaha, 5,986 patients from Kalutara, 3,779 patients from Kandy, and 2,131 patients from Kurunegala have been detected to date.
The district distribution of COVID-19 patients includes the 518 persons who tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday, of which 175 were from Colombo, 77 were from Gampaha, 41 were from Kandy, 38 were from Kalutara, and 28 were from Ratnapura.
The patients detected from Colombo District include 13 persons from Homagama, 10 persons from Avissawella, and 10 persons from Nawagamuwa.
According to the Health Promotion Bureau, 11,222 PCR tests were performed on Monday.
The Epidemiology Unit adds that 4,714 persons are currently under medical care, which includes 375 persons at the Bingiriya Treatment Centre, 223 persons at the Neville Fernando Teaching Hospital, and 199 persons at the Embilipitiya Treatment Centre.
Hospitals are also monitoring 559 persons suspected of having COVID-19.
Meanwhile, the total COVID-19 recoveries yesterday rose to 75,842. Among the 732 persons discharged from treatment centres yesterday are 103 persons from the Giriulla Treatment Centre, 40 persons from the Dambadeniya Treatment Centre, and 39 persons from the Bidunwewa Treatment Centre.
Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, who was directed for treatment at the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) after testing positive for COVID-19 and was discharged on 16 February, yesterday resumed duties having recovered from the virus.
According to a statement issued by the Health Ministry, Wanniarachchi participated in a special discussion on the COVID-19 spread in the country, prevention measures, and health development programs to be implemented in future.
