With the two COVID deaths that were reported yesterday (07), the death toll in the country exceeded 142.

The Government Information Department stated that a 62-year-old male from Colombo whose residence is yet to revealed had died at the Homagama Base Hospital while receiving treatment. He was transferred to the Homagama Base Hospital from the Colombo National Hospital. The cause of death was identified to be COVID pneumonia.

The second victim was a 77-year-old male from Jampata Road, Colombo 13 who died at the Homagama Base Hospital. He was transferred to the Homagama Base Hospital from the Colombo National Hospital. The cause of death was identified to be cardiovascular disease and diabetes along with blood poisoning.

With the 703 COVID patients that were identified yesterday (07) the total number of COVID patients in Sri Lanka increased to 28,580. Among the patients identified yesterday (07), 466 patients were associated with the Peliyagoda fish market cluster, while 237 patients were identified from the Prisons.

The Government Information Department stated that the Minuwangoda Brandix factory and the Peliyagoda fish market COVID clusters increased to 25,025.

The total number of recoveries stands at 20,804, while 7,634 patients are still receiving treatment at hospitals.

The Epidemiology Unit stated that 11,077 COVID patients were identified from Colombo District, while 6,521 patients were identified from the Gampaha District, 1,333 patients were reported from the Kalutara District.

The Office of the District Director of Regional Health Services alleges that residents of Thihariya, Gampaha are evading the authorities protesting against PCR testing. Speaking to the Hiru News, a spokesperson stated that if the situation continues, the Thihariya area would be isolated.

The same situation was reported previously from the Atalugama. Commenting on the situation, Public Health Inspectors' Association President Upul Rohana requested the assistance of the security forces.

Meanwhile, 481 Sri Lankans who were stranded overseas due to travel restrictions in view of COVID-19 arrived in the country today (08) morning. Among them, 44 were repatriated from Abu Dhabi, UAE and 147 from Doha, Qatar. Another 290 persons who had travelled to Bahrain for employment and faced difficulties unable to return to Sri Lanka, also arrived in the country, this morning.

The inaugural session of the Asia Pacific Public Health Conference, which will discuss a practical plan to resolve the COVID-19 crisis, commences in Colombo today (08). It will be held at the BMICH and will be attended by Sri Lankan Health Ministry officials and public health experts from 40 countries as well as doctors. The Ministry of Health stated that they are connected live through the internet. This has been organized by the Sri Lanka Medical Association.