COVID-19 situation unfavourable; public MUST remain vigilant: Army Commander

COLOMBO (News 1st): The prevailing situation with regard to COVID-19 is not favourable, Army Commander General Shavendra Silva, the Head of the National Operation Centre on Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) told News 1st on Saturday (Apr. 23). "The COVID-19 situation is not that favourable given the new variant. Therefore, we request the people to remain vigilant and act with caution with the possibility of an infected patient being next to you; ensure that you do not contract the virus," General Shavendra Silva advised the people. Whilst emphasizing that the condition of those infected with the virus at present is quite critical, the Army Commander urged the people to remain vigilant, follow the relevant guidelines such as wearing a face mask to AVOID contracting the virus. "The majority of COVID-19 patients admitted to hospitals at present are showing symptoms such as breathing difficulties and the condition of these patients are quite critical," Army Commander stressed. General Shavendra Silva STERNLY ADVISED the people to remain home during the long weekend. The latest COVID-19 statistics are as follows... A record 969 new COVID-19 positive cases were confirmed in the country on Friday (Apr. 23). According to the National Operation Centre on Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO), the majority of 236 cases were reported from the Gampaha district. Another 194 cases were reported from the Colombo district; cases were also reported from Kurunegala district. The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country stands at 99,691. As of Saturday (Apr. 24), there are 5017 active patients receiving treatment, while 94,036 have recovered. Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 death toll is at 638. According to the Epidemiology Unit, 925,242 people have received the 1st dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.