Four more die of COVID-19

Four more persons succumbed to COVID-19 yesterday increasing the death toll to 638, the Government Information Department said.

Covid-19 cases on the rise in Colombo, Gampaha and Kurunegala Districts

A total of 478 out of the 969 Covid-19 infected cases reported in the country yesterday were from the Western Province while 251 cases were reported from the Kurunegala District, according to the National Operation Center for Prevention of Covid-19

931 COVID-19 patients detected today

A total of 931 positive COVID-19 cases were reported today surging the total cases to 99,691, the Government Information Department said.

Steady supply of Covid-19 vaccines assured

In the wake of disruption to supply of AstraZeneca vaccines from Serum Institute of India due to worsening of the Covid-19 situation, Sri Lanka is in touch with other manufacturers for purchases to proceed with the vaccine roll-out without any disruption, an official said today.

COVID-19: SLMA says third wave imminent

The Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) today warned the general public of the imminent threat of a third wave of the COVID-19 outbreak over the next three weeks.

Health Ministry issues revised health guidelines

The Health Ministry today issued revised health guidelines to be followed by the general public until May 31.

Country still reports asymptomatic cases: Epidemiology Chief

Responding to comments that the country currently reports symptomatic patients of COVID-19 more than asymptomatic cases, Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera said most patients are still asymptomatic .

COVID cases exceed 600 today

A total of 657 positive COVID-19 cases were reported today bringing the total cases to 98,722, the Government Information Department said.

Kuliyapitiya isolated

Kuliyapitiya Police area will be isolated with effect from midnight today, Army Commander General Shavendra Silva said.

Severe symptoms hit COVID patients; admissions of youths increased after festive season

Following the festive season, researchers have observed a severe change in COVID-19 symptoms and a fair number of ICU admissions among young patients, a medical expert said today.

Cases risen to 578 yesterday; Kurunegala on top

While recording the highest number of COVID positive cases from the Kurunegala District as 171 yesterday, the daily reporting of COVID cases has risen to 578, the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) said.

Five more die of COVID-19: Death toll increases to 630

The COVID-19 death toll in Sri Lanka climbed to 630 with five more deaths being confirmed by the Director-General of Health Services, the Government Information Department said.

Coming weeks extremely critical, warns Epidemiology Chief

While the country moves back to normalcy with schools, universities and companies re-opening, COVID -19 cases are simultaneously increasing, making the next few weeks extremely crucial and challenging in controlling and preventing the virus, Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera warned today.

Covid-19 cases surge to 97,365 with 260 new cases

A total of 260 new COVID-19 patients were reported within today bringing the total number of cases in the country to 97,365, the Government Information Department said.

May Day rallies suspended

All May Day rallies have been canceled as a precautionary measure to curb the spread of COVID-19, Army Commander Shavendra Silva said.

Halt all May Day rallies, PHIs request political parties

The Public Health Inspectors Union today requested political parties and professionals to suspend all rallies to be held on May Day, considering the COVID-19 situation in the country.

Second dose of COVID vaccine to be given from May 1

Steps would be taken to provide the second dose of the Astrazeneca COVID-19 vaccine from May 1, State Minister Sudarshani Fernandopulle told in Parliament today.

Reveal real situation of second dose rollout, PHIs urge Govt.

The Public Health Inspectors Union today urged the government to reveal the actual situation in terms of the possibility of commencing the rollout of the second dose of COVID19 vaccines.

Legal action against those violating health guidelines

While saying that people’s behaviour during the festive season had not been satisfactory and had already led to a surge in Covid cases, Deputy Director-General of Health Services Dr S.M. Arnold said people who violate Covid related health guidelines would have to face legal action.

Six students of Kottawa Dharmapala Vidyalaya contract COVID-19

Six students of the Kottawa Dharmapala Maha Vidyalaya have tested positive for COVID-19, the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) said.

Travel restrictions imposed on Thiththawalyaya area in Kurunegala until further notice: NOCPCO

Travel restrictions has been imposed on Thiththawalyaya area in the Kurunegala District until further notice after having found 29 Covid-19 positive cases, the National Operations Centre for Prevention of COVID- 19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) today said.

Covid-19 deaths pass three million worldwide

The number of people who have died worldwide in the Covid-19 pandemic has surpassed three million, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Sri Lanka to impose restrictions on overseas returnees

Restrictions are to be imposed on foreign arrivals to Sri Lanka considering the global pandemic situation that seems to be worsening, Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera said.

221 more COVID-19 patients recover

A total of 221 more COVID-19 patients recovered and were discharged from hospitals increasing the total number of recoveries in Sri Lanka to 92,832, the Health Ministry said.

COVID-19 death toll mounts to 608 with four more deaths

The number of COVID-19 deaths reported in the country climbed to 608 with four new deaths being reported today, the Government Information Department said.

COVID-19 spread force hotline 1913 shut for 14 days

Excise Operations Room hotline No. 1913 which is usually kept open for 24 hours to accept and act on complaints related to illicit brewing and selling of alcohol, and offences related to tobacco and narcotics, would be closed until April 23 due to the spread of Covid-19 within its Headquarters.

Covid-19 vaccine: Officials study giving second jab after 16 weeks

As Sri Lanka continues to wait for more doses of the Astrazeneca vaccine from the Serum Institute of India, the Health Ministry is considering delaying administering the second jab 16 weeks after the first dose.

Random antigen & PCR tests to be conducted islandwide from today

Random PCR and antigen tests will be conducted islandwide during the weekend from today and the upcoming Sinhala and Tamil New Year week, in order to prevent the further spread of COVID-19, Army Chief and Head of the National Operations Centre for the Prevention of COVID-19, General Shavendra Silva told the Daily Mirror yesterday

COVID-19: Situation remains steady though cases rise: Epidemiology Chief

The COVID-19 situation in the country remains positive and normal although the number of COVID cases spike due to the cluster formed in Jaffna area, Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera said.

Sinopharm vaccine will not be given to Lankans until safety ensured: Pavithra

China’s Sinopharm vaccine will not be given to Sri Lankans until the safety of the vaccine was ensured by the health authorities, Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi said.