COVID-19 on the rise again, public urged to follow health guidelines

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ministry of Health says that COVID-19 infections are on the rise again.

Deputy Director General of Health Services, Dr. Hemantha Herath has informed the public to follow health regulations properly.

Meanwhile, the Government Information Department says that 72 COVID-19 infectees were identified yesterday.

With that, the total number of COVID-19 infectees reported from Sri Lanka increased to 664,844.

Moreover, the Government Information Department reported yesterday that a 60-year-old woman infected with COVID-19 has passed away.

Dr. Haritha Aluthge, General Secretary of the Government Medical Officers Association, also commented on the spread of COVID-19, pointing out that newest variant of COVID-19 is currently spreading in other countries around the world, over 60% of patients being reported are infected with this new variant.

While an increase of 30% has been reported in COVID-19 patients worldwide, the screening system at Airports and other public places have weakaned, he said.

In the meantime, the Ministry of Health says that the expiration date of the Pfizer vaccine has been extended based on the recommendations of the World Health Organization.

In a statement, the Ministry of Health said that the expiry date of the stock of Pfizer vaccine has been extended as per the recommendation of the World Health Organization and UNICEF Supply Division.

Accordingly, the expiration date of vaccines stored at a temperature of 90-60 degrees Celsius will be extended from 9 to 12 months.