Sunday Dec 15, 2024
Sunday Dec 15, 2024
Thursday, 13 August 2020 02:35 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
One person tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the island to 2,881.
This includes 955 Sri Lankan returnees from abroad and 32 foreigners. As for the local COVID-19 cases, the Epidemiology Unit states that 950 Navy personnel and their close contacts have tested positive as have 630 persons and close contacts of the Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre.
During the 24-hour period ending at 10 a.m. yesterday, 16 persons recovered from COVID-19. This includes five persons discharged from the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), five from the Welikanda Base Hospital, five from the Minuwangoda Base Hospital, and one from the Iranawila Hospital.
The total number of COVID-19 recoveries has risen to 2,638 and the Health Promotion Bureau states that the country’s recovery rate is currently 91.6%. With 11 COVID-19-related deaths reported so far, the fatality rate is 0.38%.
The Health Promotion Bureau adds that 177,400 PCR tests have been carried out in the island, including 2,909 on Tuesday. This is the highest number of daily PCR tests carried out, according to the data published by the Health Promotion Bureau. The second highest number of daily PCR tests was seen on 17 July, when 2,723 tests were carried out.
Meanwhile, 232 COVID-19 patients are currently under medical care in Sri Lanka, including 111 persons at the Kandakadu Treatment Centre, 59 at the Welikanda Base Hospital, 26 at the Minuwangoda Base Hospital, 18 at the NIID, 13 at the Iranawila Hospital, three at the Panagoda Base Hospital, and one at the Colombo East Base Hospital.
The Epidemiology Unit adds that 49 persons suspected of having COVID-19 are currently being monitored at various hospitals. This includes 15 at the Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital and 11 at the Chilaw General Hospital.
Explaining that a lot of social activity was seen this week with the reopening of schools and resumption of duties at Ministries, Epidemiology Unit Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera said it was vital that the public adhered to health guidelines by maintaining a one metre distance, wearing face masks, and regularly washing hands.
“From school students to adults, we expect this from everyone,” he added.
