US returnee tests positive for COVID-19

• Total number at 3,385 with 125 active cases 
• Dozen patients discharged after recovery 

One person who returned recently from the United States tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday, raising the total number of confirmed cases to 3,385 the Department of Government Information said. 

According to the Health Promotion Bureau, 125 active cases remain under medical care. 12 COVID-19 patients were discharged yesterday, after they recovered from the virus, the Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry said. A total of 3,245 infected patients have recovered up to date. 13 have succumbed to the virus. 37 persons suspected to have COVID-19 symptoms are being closely monitored by heath authorities.

Of the patients under treatment, 39 patients including 17 foreign nationals were being treated at the National Institute for Infectious Diseases (NIID). The Base Hospital at Welikanda treats the highest number of patients - 47. The Base Hospital in Hambantota is treating 16 with the Iranawila Base Hospital treating 15 COVID-19 patients. 

International stakeholders yesterday commended Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 response and control efforts at a meeting held at the Health Ministry. According to the Health Ministry, delegates from World Health Organisation, the United Nations, United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (UNFAO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and others had taken part in the meeting, the Health Ministry said. 

The National Operations Centre for the Prevention of COVID-19 did not release information on the number of persons who were released from quarantine nor on how many were repatriated to Sri Lanka yesterday.