Number of COVID19 cases record gradual increase: Health officials

The number of COVID19 cases are showing a gradual increase and actual figures could be higher if proper tests are carried out, Health officials said.

According to Health Ministry figures the average number of COVID19 cases reported around 600 has now climbed to an average of 800 per day.

On Saturday 845 cases were reported while on Friday and Thursday the figures were 840 and 827.

The highest figures earlier reported in the recent weeks were on January 11 when 944 cases were reported,  but thereafter had shown a gradual decline before starting to rise again.

Meanwhile the number of persons infected, but staying at home after registering with health authorities which stood at 1,500 have now increased to 3,500.

Health authorities warned that if the trend continues there could be serious consequences and those seeking treatment in hospitals and the intensive care units could increase.

However, so far the average deaths due to COVID19 has been around 20, largely helped by the vaccination programme.

But, health officials warned that persons were still reluctant to take the booster dose and could have its implications in the future.