(*Updates story with the latest figures)

COLOMBO (News1st): The total number of COVID-19 infections in the country rose to 705, after 15 people tested positive for the virus on Saturday, the health ministry said.

Twelve people who tested positive for the virus were navy personnel, army chief Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, who heads the national centre for the prevention of COVID-19 noted.

There are 526 active cases at present, while 172 have recovered, official figures show. Seven people have died due to the virus which started spreading in the country since March 11.

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