Only five Covid-19 deaths due to viral infection, others due to chronic diseases: Army Chief

Army Commander Shavendra Silva said today that only five deaths among the total Covid-19 deaths reported in the country were caused by the viral infection while all the other deaths were caused by chronic diseases.

The Army Commander said that Secretary to the Health Ministry has confirmed this.

Commenting on the deaths of COVID-19 patients occurred at homes, the Commander urged that those who are suffering from chronic diseases to seek medical treatment whenever required without staying at home despite curfew or lockdown.

He said Sri Lanka has an excellent health service and that no one should hide in or refrain from seeking medical treatment.

“We have established a mechanism where those who need emergency medical requirements can arrive at hospitals in an ambulance even when there is a lockdown. Public should keep in mind that everyone who have contracted the virus will not end up dead. From among those tested positive for the virus, only a very few number, at least 0.2 per cent, died due to Covid-19,” the Commander said.(Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)