• About 30,017 Covid patients  have been receiving treatment as of August, 1 2021  
• 19,688 children, under the age of ten have tested positive 
• Another 14 children who were below 18 years of age had succumbed to COVID-19

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana  

A total of  21,344 COVID-19 cases and 591 COVID related deaths have been reported during the last ten days, Minister of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi informed Parliament today.   

Responding to a question raised by Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa, the Minister mentioned that there had been a surge in cases and mortalities. “ About 30,017 Covid patients  have been receiving treatment as of August 1 2021,” she said.   “Nearly 19,688 children, under the age of ten have tested positive while 26,143 children who are between the ages of 10 and 18 are tested positive during the said period,” she said.  

Another 14 children who were below 18 years of age had succumbed to 

COVID-19.   The Minister also mentioned that there  was an increased need for oxygen. “We are providing 44 tons of Oxygen per day for the use in the hospital network while arrangements have been made to set up 14 Oxygen plants at regional level with an additional  six liquid Oxygen cylinders of 20 tonnes. In addition 1,000 oxygen kits have been donated from various sources,” she also said.   Adding more information the Minister  said nearly 50 percent of the population will be provided with the second dose of the COVID vaccine within the next two weeks.

• We are providing 44 tons of Oxygen per day for the use in the hospital  network while arrangements have been made to set up 14 Oxygen plants at  regional level