891 persons test positive for COVID-19

Wednesday, 26 January 2022 04:00 -     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

  • Total patient count rises to 603,654
  • Includes 498,428 persons from New Year cluster
  • Active cases rise to 11,784
  • 50% of patients could have Omicron variant: Dr. Hemantha Herath

By Shailendree Wickrama Adittiya


Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 detections rose to 603,654 with 891 persons testing positive for the virus yesterday.

The patients detected yesterday include 888 persons from the New Year cluster and three overseas returnees.

The previous day, 869 persons from the New Year cluster and eight Sri Lankan overseas returnees tested positive for COVID-19. According to the Health Promotion Bureau, 8,383 PCR tests and 5,703 rapid antigen tests were conducted on Monday.

COVID-19 detections have remained above 800 for seven consecutive days. According to Deputy Director of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath, it could be assumed that at least 50% of the COVID-19 patients detected in the country have the Omicron variant.

Meanwhile, National Institute of Infectious Diseases Director Dr. Hasitha Attanayake said: “Compared to last week, a 50% increase can be seen in the number of COVID-19 patients admitted to the hospital this week.”

In total, 498,428 persons from the New Year cluster, 82,785 persons from the Peliyagoda cluster, 9,098 persons from the Prisons cluster, and 3,059 persons from the Divulapitiya cluster have tested positive for COVID-19.

Sri Lanka’s total COVID-19 detections include 121,953 persons from Colombo, 103,942 persons from Gampaha, 54,677 persons from Kalutara, 39,787 persons from Galle, and 29,045 persons from Kurunegala.

During the third wave of the pandemic, 89,656 persons from Colombo, 85,408 persons from Gampaha, and 47,619 persons from Kalutara tested positive for COVID-19.

At present, 11,784 persons are under medical and home-based care and 3,061 persons suspected of having COVID-19 are under observation.

The country’s total COVID-19 recoveries rose to 576,540 with 216 persons released from care yesterday. 

 

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