Rate of COVID-19 cases in children on the rise

by Amani Nilar 02-08-2021 | 10:49 AM

COLOMBO (News 1st); Around 15 children infected with COVID-19 are reported daily, Director at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children (LRH), Dr. G. Wijesuriya says.

He pointed out that the rate of COVID-19 infections within children has risen drastically.

According to Dr. Wijesuriya, around 70 children infected with COVID-19 are currently receiving in-house treatment at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital.

Speaking to News 1st, he said the capacity of the COVID-19 ward at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital has reached its maximum capacity, and another building has been obtained through the Ministry of Health to continue treatment facilities for children.

Whilst pointing out that the rate of COVID-19 cases among children could further increase in the future, Dr. Wijesuriya requested parents to ensure the safety of children from the virus and emphasized the importance of following COVID-19 health guidelines as well.

According to Dr. Wijesuriya, a majority of close to 700 COVID-19 cases related to children have been reported from LRH, during the 03rd wave of the pandemic in the country.

He added that 11 children have died due to COVID-19 at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children since the 1st wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.