Virulence of COVID-19 is high ; health spokesman says

COLOMBO (News1st): The severity of COVID-19 is high and can infect people easily, health ministry spokesman Dr Jayaruwan Bandara has warned. "...a person can easily contract this virus and that it can spread easily," the spokesman told reporters on Monday. However, he emphasised that authorities are capable of bringing the situation surrounding the COVID-19 country under control. "New equipment is to be received in the coming weeks," Dr Bandara said adding that new machines to conduct PCR tests are to arrive in the country. Dr Palitha Karunapema, the director of the Health Promotion Bureau, said there are 15 COVID-19 treatment centres in the country. "These centres have 2048 beds in total. 30 percent of them are vacant at present," he noted. The director added that there are more than 60,000 units of protective gear and that hospital can obtain these supplies when required.