03 COVID-19 deaths on Wednesday (17); Fatalities rise to 537

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Director-General of Health Services confirmed that THREE (03) COVID-19 deaths were reported in the country on Wednesday (Mar. 17), raising Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 death toll to 537. The details of the deceased are as follows: 01. A 72-year-old male from Medirigiriya. He was diagnosed as infected with the COVID-19 virus while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Kandy and transferred to Theldeniya Base Hospital, where he died on 16.03.2021. The cause of death is mentioned as Covid pneumonia, heart disease, and high blood pressure. 02. A 72-year-old female from Polgasowita. She was diagnosed as infected with the COVID-19 virus while receiving treatment at Sri Jayawardenepura Hospital and transferred to IDH, where she died on 17.03.2021. The cause of death is mentioned as liver failure and Covid pneumonia. 03. A 70-year-old male from Andigama. He was diagnosed as infected with the COVID-19 virus while receiving treatment at Chilaw District Hospital and transferred to Homagama Base Hospital, where he died on 16.03.2021. The cause of death is mentioned as liver failure, kidney disease, and Covid pneumonia. Meanwhile, another 182 new positive cases were reported on Wednesday (Mar. 17), raising the COVID-19 caseload in the country to 88,862, the Department of Government Information said. As of Thursday morning (Mar. 18), there are 2600 active patients receiving treatment, while 85,725 have recovered. According to the Epidemiology Unit, 12,292 people received the COVID-19 jab on Wednesday (Mar. 17); and so far, 796,792 people have been vaccinated in the country.