11 June 2021 03:56 pm
The Health Ministry today explained the reason as to why COVID-19 deaths that have occurred several days, sometimes, several weeks ago are accumulated to a single day tally.
Deputy Director General of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath told a news briefing today that it could take a considerable time period to confirm some deaths.
“It must be said that it’s not a delay. The Director General of Health Services has issued relevant guidelines according to which the COVID-19 deaths need to be examined and confirmed. The news about the deaths are released after following the relevant guidelines. For that, it may take time,” Dr. Herath stressed.
"It does not mean that this happens because of the inefficiency of the Health officials but owing to the due procedure that they have to follow when releasing the final count," he pointed out.
Thus, Dr. Herath said there was no move to hide or exaggerate the number of COVID-19 deaths.
"The Health officials are accomplishing a sincere service when it comes to COVID-19 related matters,” he added.
According to the statement issued by the Government Information Department in connection with the deaths on June 10 where 67 deaths were reported, 19 deaths had been reported between the period of May 17 to May 31 while 48 deaths were reported between June 1 to June 8. (Sheain Fernandopulle)