COVID-19: SL not out of the woods yet, stresses Epidemiology Chief

There is always a possibility of emerging new COVID clusters in the country and thus, the risk of the virus spreading in society still exists, Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera emphasized.

Covid-19 raises risk of depression and dementia, study suggests

People diagnosed with Covid-19 in the previous six months were more likely to develop depression, dementia, psychosis and stroke, researchers have found.

Two more die of COVID-19: Death toll climbs to 588

Two more COVID-19 related deaths were reported today taking the death toll in the country to 588, the Government Information Department said.

Rapid Antigen Tests on people crossing WP borders

Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) would be conducted on the commuters who will be crossing Western Province borders during the forthcoming festive season, Army Commander Shavendra Silva said.

Five more die of COVID-19: Death toll increases to 586

The COVID-19 death toll in Sri Lanka climbed to 586 with five more deaths being confirmed by the Director-General of Health Services, the Government Information Department said.

Number of COVID-19 deaths dropped by a half, says Epidemiology Chief

The analysis cairred out the COVID-19 deaths has shown that the number of deaths due to the virus has reduced by a half, Chief Epidemiologist Dr Sudath Samaraweera said.

Vaccinating people above 60 years; participation very marginal: Sudarshini

Participation of people above 60 years of age in the Gampaha District to get Astra Zeneca vaccine against Covid-19, was very low, State Minister Sudarshani Fernandopulle said.

Bangladesh to impose 7-day nationwide lockdown amidst spike in cases

The Bangladesh government on Saturday decided to impose a week-long nationwide lockdown from Monday as COVID-19 cases and deaths surged across the country

India faces tighter lockdowns as Covid infections surge

India’s biggest cities braced for stricter lockdowns and other Covid-19 curbs on Saturday after infections hit a six-month high, as a month-long surge continued in the country third worst hit by the pandemic

Covid-19: Seven UK blood clot deaths after AstraZeneca vaccine

Seven people have died from unusual blood clots after getting the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine in the UK, the medicines regulator has confirmed to the BBC.

Health guidelines for Sinhala & Tamil New Year issued

New COVID-19 health guidelines for the Sinhala & Tamil New Year have been issued by the Director General of Health Services Dr Asela Gunawardena.

COVID situation relatively under control

Though the COVID-19 situation has not yet reached the ‘fully controlled status’, the situation has relatively come under control, Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera said today.

Expert committee to decide who will get it

The expert committee of the Health Ministry will decide the most suitable age group that will receive the Sinopharm vaccines after all Chinese nationals in Sri Lanka have been inoculated, Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera said.

SL Legends under self-quarantine after 4 Indian players test Covid-19 positive

All players and h of the Sri Lanka Legends cricket team who participated in the Road Safety World Series cricket tournament held in India, have been directed to self-quarantine.

Decline in COVID cases doesn’t reflect overall picture, says Epidemiology Chief

The notable decrease in daily detection of COVID-19 cases does not reflect the overall COVID situation in the entire country, Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera said.

China says ma­jor­ity of Sinopharm vac­cines for lo­cal cit­i­zens

Sri Lanka will re­ceive 600,000 doses of China’s Sinopharm vac­ci­na­tions on March 31 and pri­or­ity will be given for Sri Lankan cit­i­zens when ad­min­is­ter­ing the vac­cines while only 1 per­cent of the to­tal amount to be de­liv­ered will be for Chi­nese na­tion­als re­sid­ing here, an of­fi­cial from the Chi­nese Em­bassy in Sri Lanka said

China’s Sinopharm vaccine to arrive on March 31

Sri Lanka will receive 600,000 doses of China’s Sinopharm vaccine on March 31, State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Prof. Channa Jayasumana said today.

India temporarily halts Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine exports

India has put a temporary hold on all major exports of the AstraZeneca coronavirus shot made by the Serum Institute of India (SII), the world’s biggest vaccine-maker, to meet domestic demand as infections rise, two sources told Reuters.

Random PCR tests paramount though COVID cases on the wane: PHIs

Although COVID-19 cases have declined considerably in the country, it is highly important to conduct random PCR tests in order to ensure the virus has been successfully contained, Public Health Inspectors’ Union said.

Cabinet allocates US$ 69 Mn to import 7 Mn. Sputnik V vaccines from Russia

The Cabinet endorsed today an allocation of US$ 69 million to import seven million Sputnik V vaccines from Russia, a top source said.

Prioritize Chinese nationals in Sri Lanka when giving vaccine, Chinese Embassy requests Govt.

The Chinese Embassy has requested the Government to prioritize the Chinese nationals in Sri Lanka when giving the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine, Primary Health Care, Epidemics and COVID-19 Disease Control Minister Sudarshani Fernandopulle said.

Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery positive cases swell to 474

Following the recent 1,200 PCR tests conducted on employees at the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery, the number of COVID-19 positive cases increased to 474, officials of the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 (NOCPC) said.

One more Covid-19 fatality reported

One more Covid-19 related death has been reported today bringing the death toll to 546, the Government Information Department said.

Fresh health guidelines for upcoming festive season soon: Health DG

The health guidelines to be adhered by people during the upcoming Sinhala-Tamil New Year season would be issued in the near future, Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena said today.

China awaits clearance from Sri Lanka to gift 600,000 vaccines

China is awaiting clearance from Sri Lanka to gift 600,000 coronavirus vaccines, a diplomat said

No issue in allowing private sector to import COVID vaccines: PHIs

Permission should be granted to private sector also to import COVID-19 vaccine vials, if the Government is unable to procure the required number of vaccines, Head of the Public Health Inspectors’ (PHIs) Union insisted today.

Ravi K, 8 others remanded over CB Bond scam to undergo PCR test

Former Minister Ravi Karunanayaka and eight others who were remanded over Central Bank Bond Scam would be subject to PCR tests today, Prisons Department said.

Won't prevent asymptomatic infection; vaccinated could still develop infection & spread it: Expert

The COVID-19 vaccines don’t prevent asymptomatic infection, so those who have been vaccinated can still develop infection and spread it, Head of the Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Prof. Neelika Malavige said.

Lockdown during festive season not realistic: PHIs

While saying it is the sole responsibility of the people to adhere to health regulations during the upcoming festive season to prevent any possible cluster from emerging, the Public Health Inspectors Union pointed out that it was not practical to go for a country-wide lockdown in the days ahead.

Recepients of both vaccines to be allowed to come to SL after spending two weeks before flying - NOCPCO

The quarantine strategy with regard to those who arrive from overseas will be changed soon where those who received both vaccines against COVID-19 and spent two weeks in the countries where they live will be free to fly to Sri Lanka and go home after PCR tests, the National Operations Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) said.