5 deaths, 119 new COVID cases prompt health authorities to renew warning

Five deaths and 119 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Monday have prompted health authorities to renew warning of precaution on the pandemic.

A new variant of the COVID-19 epidemic is spreading rapidly around the world and an increase in the number of COVID-infected people in Sri Lanka has been observed in the last few days, said Health Services Deputy Director General Dr. Hemantha Herath.

The Government Information Department yesterday reported 119 new infections and said five COVID related deaths. Three males and two females above 60-years of age have succumbed to the disease.

According to the Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry, since the outbreak of the COVID-19 in February 2020, Sri Lanka has reported 665,094 infections and 16,544 deaths to date. On Sunday, 56 new cases were reported and the Deputy Director General of Health Services requested the public to be careful and get the fourth COVID vaccine as soon as possible to avoid infection.

Dr. Herath  emphasised that it is strongly recommended to wear face masks especially in public places, when using public transport as well as in indoor places where a large number of people gather and to properly follow other health guidelines.

He assured that there will be no expiry of the COVID vaccine from 31 June as mentioned earlier as the company has extended its period till 31 October.

According to the Epidemiology Unit, 17.1 million people have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine while 14.5 million have received the second dose. Only 8 million have taken the third booster dose and 15,280 people have received the fourth booster.