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Tuesday, 5 January 2021 02:25 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Shailendree Wickrama Adittiya
The total number of persons to have tested positive for COVID-19 in the island yesterday crossed the 45,000 mark with the detection of 468 patients within the day.
According to the Department of Government Information, 451 associates of the Peliyagoda COVID-19 cluster and 16 persons linked to the Prisons cluster yesterday tested positive for the virus. This brings the total number of patients linked to the Divulapitiya, Peliyagoda and Prisons clusters to 41,498.
In addition to the triple clusters, 1,697 Sri Lankan returnees from abroad, 950 Navy personnel and their contacts, 651 persons linked to the Kandakadu cluster, and 132 foreigners have also tested positive for COVID-19 in the country.
According to the Epidemiology Unit, a total of 45,242 COVID-19 patients have been detected in the island, of which 7,210 patients are currently under medical care. The active patients include 508 persons at the Bingiriya Treatment Centre, 376 persons at the Gallela Treatment Centre, and 349 persons at the Punani Treatment Centre. Hospitals are also monitoring 583 persons suspected of having COVID-19.
The number of COVID-19 recoveries in the island rose to 37,817 with hospitals discharging 565 persons yesterday. The recoveries include 65 persons from the Rambukkana Treatment Centre, 61 persons from the Bingiriya Treatment Centre, and 38 persons form the Hambanthota District General Hospital.
The Epidemiology Unit adds that 18,050 patients from Colombo District, 9,439 patients from Gampaha District, 3,064 patients from Kalutara District, 1,434 patients from Kandy District, and 764 patients from Kalmunai District are among the total COVID-19 positive persons detected in the island to date.
The district distribution includes 81 persons from Colombo, 56 persons from Kandy, 30 persons from Gampaha, 27 persons from Kalutara and 20 persons from Trincomalee who tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday.
Given the spread of COVID-19 in the country, random PCR and rapid antigen testing will be carried out among targeted groups in all districts, Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera said.
“Despite seeing a slight drop in the number of COVID-19 patients detected in the island, daily cases remain in the hundreds. The highest risk is in the Colombo Municipal area and the Western Province. However, patients are detected in other areas as well,” he added.
According to the Health Promotion Bureau, 1,288,562 PCR tests have been carried out in the island, including 12,826 tests on Sunday.
While providing an update on the COVID-19 spread in the country, Health Promotion Bureau Director Dr. Palitha Karunapema said: “The technical committee has submitted its report on the disposal of COVID-19 remains and if they should be buried or cremated to the Health Minister and we expect her to announce the Government decision on this soon.”
Meanwhile, the National Operations Centre for the Prevention of the COVID-19 Outbreak yesterday stated that the Avissawella Police Division and the NHS Maligawatte Housing Scheme has been released from isolation.
“Isolation order is in effect in only five Police Divisions in Colombo. These are Dematagoda, Grandpass, Maligawatte, Kotahena and Aduruppu Street,” Police Spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana said, adding that the Ruwanwella and Kattankudy Police divisions as well as various Grama Sevaka Divisions, streets and housing schemes in various parts of the island are also under isolation.
