Head of the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID 19 Outbreak (NOPCO), Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva, yesterday stated that a total of 47 individuals have tested positive for COVID-19 increasing the number of patients in the Minuwangoda cluster to 2,162. According to him, four of the infected persons have been reported from quarantine centres while the others were reported as their close associates.

Meanwhile, the Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry said that the number of recoveries has increased to 3,440 with the recovery of 37 more patients who were infected with COVID-19. The total number of COVID-19 patients stands at 5,538 with 47 persons reported on yesterday, out of which 2,132 patients are still receiving treatment at 16 hospitals.

Another 297 suspected of being infected with the virus are under medical observation

Meanwhile, Matugama Public Health Inspector P.D.Lionel yesterday said the number PCR tests conducted in the Matugama, Walallawita and Agalawatta MoH divisions have been increased with the detection of 30 COVID-19 cases in these areas.

He said that people should not travel to the Matugama area unless there is an urgency. He also said that those living in villages in the Matugama DS Division where movements have been restricted should not go out of their areas of residence.

Lionel added that 26 people tested positive for COVID-19 in Matugama while two persons had contracted COVID-19 in the Agalawatta DS Division as of yesterday evening.

The health authorities said that they are receiving the reports of PCR tests conducted during the past few days and the number of infected persons may go up.They said that five monks were also among the COVID-19 infected in the area “All intercity buses operating from Matugama has been stopped and random samples are being taken from the private bus drivers and conductors for PCR rests, said Western Province Passenger Transport Authority Chairman Prasanna Sanjeewa