Sri Lanka marks over 2,000 COVID cases for 8 consecutive days

Sparking fresh concerns, the country has seen over 2,000 new cases of COVID-19 daily for the past eight consecutive days, reflecting though that the high numbers are receding.  

The country first clocked over 2,000 cases on 9 May, with an all-time-high figure of 2,672; and since then, the daily count has been over 2,000. Yesterday’s figure was 2,212 at the time this edition went to print. 

The rise in the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is being managed by the Government and health authorities with increased testing, vaccination as well as stepped-up restrictions on the movement of people, among other measures. 

Since 1 May, the number of new cases has topped the 34,000 mark whilst over 260 have died. 

The worsening third wave has heightened demand from various economic segments for urgent vaccination as well as letting the private sector procure vaccines for their employees and immediate family members. Private sector has welcomed recent discussions in this regard, however, it was alleged that the Government and health authorities were dragging their feet and further delay could increase the risk of more people getting infected with COVID.