622 test positive as COVID-19 tally tops 34,000
COLOMBO – Another 622 individuals tested positive on Tuesday (15), taking Sri Lanka’s novel coronavirus tally to over 34,000. However, no fatalities were officially reported for the first time in over a month.
Multiple daily deaths recorded since October 24 has seen Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 death tall reach 154.
Tuesday confirmations take Sri Lanka’s novel coronavirus count to 34,121 with 24,867 being deemed recovered and discharged under the new health ministry guidelines, and 9,100 receiving treatment at various designated hospitals across the country.
The Department of Government Information said all 622 cases confirmed on Wednesday are linked to Peliyagoda/prison cluster, which has now expanded to 30,459 cases.
The new and more virulent strain of the virus emerged when new cluster in Minuwangoda was discovered in early October, with the apparel factory in the area as the epicentre. Since then the cluster has seen sub-clusters in several parts of the country, including a prison cluster, with the largest case load reported from the Peliyagoda fish market.
Meanwhile, Army Commander and head of the National Operations Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO), Lieutenant Gen. Shavendra Silva, announced on Tuesday two areas in the Kalutara and Monaragala districts in the Western and Uva Provinces have been placed under isolation with immediate effect. The areas coming under isolation are Thotawaththa in Panadura and Badalkumbura in Alupotha. He said these areas will remain under isolation until further notice.
-ENCL