Mechanism in place to minimize at-home COVID deaths

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Hemantha Herath says that alternative programs are being implemented by the local health authorities to prevent persons infected with COVID-19 from dying at home.

He stated this responding to a query about mechanisms to reduce COVID-19 deaths which occur at home.

The number of COVID-19 patients who die before being admitted to a hospital continues to be on the rise. According to data released by the Epidemiology Unit, 19.5% of all COVID-19 deaths occur at home and before being hospitalized.

As of 3rd September, 1,339 infected persons have died in their homes, and 573 have died after or while being hospitalized.

The highest number of deaths at home are being reported from the Gampaha District, with 275 deaths at home and 182 deaths while being hospitalized, as per the available data.

Specialist Dr. Hemantha Herath added that there could be hardships in finding an ambulance during the lockdown as well, which is one of the major reasons for the deaths at home.