The total number of coronavirus patients in the country has increased to 17,287. This was with 704 cases being reported yesterday. Army commander, Lt. General Shavendra Silva noted that the identified cases are close associates of covid-19 patients.

704 cases in a day is the third highest daily number reported since March 2020. Previously the highest number reported in a day was 806 while 709 cases were reported early October.

The Peliyagoda and Minuwangoda Brandix cluster has risen 13,788.

With 171 coronavirus patients recovering yesterday, the total number of recovered patients is at 11,495. Accordingly 5,734 covid-19 patients continue to receive treatment in hospitals.

With five covid-related deaths reported yesterday the death toll due to covid-19 in the country increased to 58.

All 5 who died were males, while two of them were in their 80's.

The two patients, who died owing to a heart attack, were residents of Colombo 12 and 13.

Amongst the other 3 individuals who died, one was a 39 year old resident of Colombo 15, who was suffering from Cancer.

The other was a 54 year old resident of Jinthupitiya who had been suffering from cancer.

The government news department in its communique noted that the other death reported was of a 79 year old resident of Borella and the cause of death was reported as a lung disease.

Meanwhile, the number of covid-19 cases reported in prisons has increased to 437.

The department of prisons informed that all leave of prison officials have been cancelled due to the current situation, therefore all prison officers are to report to work before 8.00 am today (16).