Total COVID-19 cases at 2617: 106 new infections confirmed on Sunday

COLOMBO (News 1st): The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Sri Lanka has risen to 2617, according to the latest figures published by the Ministry of Health. A total of 106 people including six residents from Rajanganaya, tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday (July 12). "76 inmates who were transferred from the Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre - Kandakadu, to the Senapura Rehabilitation Center, were also confirmed COVID-19 positive yesterday," the Government Information Department said on Monday (July 13). Among the confirmed cases on Sunday, are two returnees from Bangladesh and a returnee from the United Arab Emirates, who were undergoing quarantine. The remaining are 14 case contacts of the Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre - Kandakadu, five returnees from Belarus and two seafarers from Iran. According to the Epidemiology Unit, there are 625 active COVID-19 patients receiving treatment. One COVID-19 patient was discharged on Sunday (July 12) following recovery; thereby, the total number of recoveries in the country now stands at 1981. Making a special request on Monday (July 12), Secretary of the Public Health Inspectors' Union of Sri Lanka, Mahendra Balasuriya urged the general public to adhere to good health practices and emphasized on the importance of maintaining social distancing guidelines, wearing face masks and washing hands frequently. "Those who have returned home upon performing duties at the Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre - Kandakadu and those who maintained contacts with them, should inform the nearest PHI and obtain necessary instructions as soon as possible," Mahinda Balasuriya - the Secretary to the PHI Union of Sri Lanka, requested. He further went on to note, the general public should not gather in crowds in public places and pay special attention to this, given the upcoming election.