With the three COVID deaths that were reported yesterday (06), the death toll in Sri Lanka increased to 140.

The Government Information Department stated that a 98-year-old male from Kotte, who was admitted to the Homagama Base Hospital after being diagnosed with COVID-19, died at the hospital. The cause of death was noted as COVID pneumonia

The second victim was an 80-year-old male from Kahathuduwa and died at the Homagama Base Hospital as well. The cause of death was identified to be kidney failure with COVID-19 infection.

Another deceased was a 71-year-old male from Maggona who died at the Intensive Care Unit of the Homagama Base Hospital. The cause of death was noted as COVID pneumonia

Another 649 COVID patients were identified yesterday (06) out of which 451 patients were reported from the Peliyagoda fish market and 197 patients were reported from the Prisons. Another returnee from the United Arab Emirates who was undergoing quarantine was also identified as a COVID patient.

The total number of COVID patients in Sri Lanka increased to 27,877, while the number of recoveries increased to 20,460, with 7,272 patients still receiving treatment at hospitals.

The Prison Department stated that the jailor who was deployed for special duties at the Mahara Prison and returned to the Watareka Prison in violation of quarantine rules was interdicted. Speaking to Hiru New, a spokesperson for the Prison Department stated that disciplinary action would be taken against him.

Meanwhile, 96 Sri Lankans who were stranded overseas due to travel restrictions imposed in view of COVID-19 were repatriated today (07) morning. Among them, 48 persons arrived from Qatar while 48 arrived from Saudi Arabia.

Another group of 114 persons left the country this morning for foreign employment. Among them, 72 persons had left for Qatar, 28 left for Australia while 14 Sri Lankans left for Singapore.