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Friday, 19 February 2021 00:30 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Shailendree Wickrama Adittiya
The total COVID-19 patient country yesterday exceeded 78,000 with the detection of 514 COVID-19 positive persons.
According to the Department of Government Information, yesterday’s patients include 501 associates of the Peliyagoda COVID-19 cluster. This brings the triple clusters that emerged from Divulapitiya, Peliyagoda and Prisons to 74,371 patients.
In addition to this, 1,972 Sri Lankan returnees from abroad, 950 Navy personnel and their contacts, 651 persons linked to the Kandakadu cluster and 150 foreigners have also tested positive for the virus.
The total patient count currently stands at 78,420, of which 26,925 persons are from Colombo, 15,669 persons are from Gampaha, 5,674 persons are from Kalutara, 3,573 persons are from Kandy and 2,040 persons are from Kurunegala.
Included in the district distribution of COVID-19 patients are the 722 persons who tested positive for the virus on Wednesday. Of them, 223 were from Colombo, 160 were from Gampaha, 75 were from Ratnapura, 49 were from Kandy and 38 were from Badulla.
The patients detected from the Colombo District include 29 from Colombo 9, 21 from Homagama and 17 from Colombo 10.
According to the Epidemiology Unit, 6,175 persons are currently under medical care, of which 370 persons are at the Giriulla Treatment Centre, 365 persons are at the Bingiriya Treatment Centre and 305 persons are at the Dambadeniya Treatment Centre. Hospitals are also monitoring 685 persons suspected of having COVID-19.
The Epidemiology Unit adds that 71,823 persons have recovered from COVID-19 to date, with 67 persons from the Kopai Treatment Centre, 54 persons from the Bingiriya Treatment Centre and 38 persons from the Ampara Rehabilitation Centre among persons discharged yesterday.
According to the Health Promotion Bureau, 15,386 PCR tests were performed on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) yesterday called for better measures to ensure persons who test positive for COVID-19 are directed to treatment facilities immediately after testing positive.
“In Colombo District, there are instances where patients must stay at home for three to four days or even five to six days before they are taken to a treatment centre. On one hand, health units say there is plenty of space. So, if there is room in intermediate treatment centres, why are people required to remain at home for five days?” GMOA Editor Dr. Haritha Aluthge questioned.
He went on to say that when COVID-19 patients are required to spend up to six days at home before being taken to a treatment centre, their fear of COVID-19 may reduce and they may mingle with other persons.
