Covid-19 death toll hits 176 with five new fatalities

Death toll from Covid-19 outbreak in Sri Lanka has climbed to 176 as five more virus-related fatalities were confirmed today (20), the Director-General of Health Services says.

One of the victims is a 71-year-old male from Panagoda area who died of blood poisoning and Covid-19 pneumonia. He was transferred from Pimbura Base Hospital to Mulleriyawa Base Hospital where he died on December 18.

Another man, aged 52, has also fallen victim to Covid-19 pneumonia. He passed away on December 17 while at his home in Colombo 08.

The third victim is a 71-year-old woman from Colombo 12 area. She was transferred from Colombo National Hospital to Pimbura Base Hospital where he died on December 19. The cause of death was recorded as cancer and blood poisoning due to Covid-19 infection.

A 44-year-old man residing in Colombo 02 meanwhile died of lung infection exacerbated by Covid-19 infection. He was transferred from Colombo National Hospital to National Hospital for Respiratory Diseases (NHRD) in Welisara. According to reports, he has passed away on December 19.

The fifth victim was identified as a 49-year-old man from Bandaragama area. He died on admission to Horana Base Hospital on December 19. The cause of death was cited as chest infection caused by Covid-19 virus.