28 COVID-19 patients currently in ICUs

A total number of 28 COVID-19 patients are currently receiving treatment at the Intensive Care Units (ICU) of hospitals islandwide Deputy Director General of Public Health Dr. Hemantha Herath said today.

Addressing the media, he said they had to increase the number of treatment centres considering the daily active cases.

"Accordingly, the number of treatment centers has gone up to 80 where there are 11,766 beds. However, there are only 6,747 beds being occupied at present," he underlined.

He also said they had adequate beds in ICUs as well as in hospitals and there is no shortage of beds.

Meanwhile, commenting on the new variant in the country, Dr. Herath said that majority of the cases belonging to new variant had been detected from quarantine centers whereas a few cases had been found in community level in Avissawella and Vavuniya.

“As far as the cases in quarantine centres are concerned, there is no risk and issue as those infected with new variant will have to complete the full quarantine period before they could be released to the society,” he said.

About the cases found in Avissawella and Vavuniya, Dr. Herath said they were studying the cases and appropriate actions would be taken soon. (Sheain Fernandopulle)