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Thursday Nov 21, 2024
Friday, 19 March 2021 00:30 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Shailendree Wickrama Adittiya
Health authorities yesterday stated that 313 COVID-19 positive persons were detected in the island, pushing the total COVID-19 patient count to 89,175.
The patients detected yesterday include 278 associates of the Peliyagoda cluster and 24 persons linked to the Prisons cluster. The triple clusters that emerged from Divulapiitya, Peliyagoda and Prisons have expanded to 84,644 patients.
A total of 2,398 Sri Lankan returnees from abroad, 950 Navy personnel and their contacts, 651 persons linked to the Kandakadu cluster and 193 foreigners have also tested positive for COVID-19 in the island.
According to the Epidemiology Unit, 2,693 persons are currently under medical care. This includes 127 persons at the Punani Treatment Centre, 120 persons at the Neville Fernando Teaching Hospital and 118 persons at the Warakapola Base Hospital. Hospitals also have 441 persons suspected of having COVID-19 under observation.
The Epidemiology Unit adds that 354 persons were discharged yesterday, including 49 persons from the Embilipitiya Treatment Centre, 33 persons from the Kopai Treatment Centre and 24 persons from the Warakapola Base Hospital. The country’s total COVID-19 recoveries currently stand at 85,944.
The Health Promotion Bureau states that 11,926 PCR tests were performed on Wednesday. A total of 338 COVID-19 patients were detected on Wednesday, including 309 associates of the Peliyagoda cluster, 16 overseas arrivals and 13 persons linked to the Prisons cluster. Of the patients, 41 were from Gampaha, 35 were from Trincomalee and 32 were from Colombo.
According to the Epidemiology Unit, 28,991 persons from Colombo, 17,439 persons from Gampaha, 6,475 persons from Kalutara, 4,112 persons from Kandy and 2,652 persons from Ratnapura have tested positive for COVID-19 to date.
Meanwhile, the Public Health Inspectors (PHI) Union yesterday stated that the private sector should be allowed to bring down COVID-19 vaccines, a measure that will be necessary in order to increase vaccine coverage in the country.
“Our next priority should be vaccinating the manufacturing workforce, including those in the apparel sector. In order to fulfil this requirement, it is clear that the Government must give approval for the private sector to import the vaccine if the Government does not have the required facilities at this moment,” he said.
PHI Upul Rohana added that there was no issue in allowing the private sector to import the vaccine with approval from the National Medicines Regulatory Board and use of the country’s health units.
