India logs 1,604 Covid cases, 8 deaths in past 24 hours

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National STD/AIDS Control Programme says that a system has been set up to schedule HIV tests online. Specialist Doctor Nimali Jayasuriya says that this online method can be used instead of going to clinics. Accordingly she further sais that bookings for HIV tests can be made at the website www.know4sure.lk News 1st is now on Whatsapp, Viber, LinkedIN and Telegram. Don't miss out on all the latest developments in Sri Lanka and overseas.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The State Ministry of Provincial Councils and Local Government says that from next week, every public servant should report to duty in official attire based on the respective institution's policies.State Minister Janaka Wakkumbura says that the relevant circular will be issued next week.He said the government aims to encourage all public servants to return to the pre-COVID pandemic dress code. During the pandemic, a circular was issued relaxing the rules imposed on those working in the public sector.

Will Smith has gone viral, but not in a good way. The actor, 54, was planning on surprising an audience who had just watched his film, Emancipation, but ended up testing positive for Covid, sharing a video to show how he took a Covid test prior to the appearance. Will seemed to take the news well, writing a lighthearted 'I went viral' next to the video on social media.  Viral: Will Smith used a lighthearted play on words saying 'I went viral' as the actor revealed he tested positive for Covid-19 Participants at screenings are often required to show negative results before they can attend an event. The action star showed no signs of illness, but bellowed out exaggerated screams of pain as swirled the test swab around his nasal passages, and was shocked when one hour later, he received a positive result. Instead of speaking to the audience in person, the Oscar winner met with them via Zoom, as he sat in front of a laptop.  Surprise: The actor was hoping to surprise an audience who had just watched his new film, Emancipation, but was unable to attend  No signs: The action star showed no signs of illness, and was shocked when one hour later, he received a positive result Zoom: Instead of speaking to the audience in person, the Oscar winner met with them via Zoom, as he sat in front of a laptop.

It’s a damning statistic.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Commissioner General of Examinations L. M.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Supreme Court ordered the Inspector General of Police to establish a committee to formulate a regulatory framework for Police officers to follow when conducting inquiries into disputes. The Supreme Court gave this direction as part of an interim order issued when an incident where a senior police officer had obstructed an Attorney at Law from performing his duties was taken up in court. According to the petitioner, an Attorney, he had visited the Boralasgamuwa Police on the 13th of November 2021 to represent his client at the police station. The petitioner stated, while representing his client, Senior Superintendent of Police K.S.K Rupasinghe had demanded that he step out of the room. The petitioner had refused to do so. The SSP had then proceeded to threaten the Attorney claiming he will be thrown into a cell.

KYM Marsh has shared an update after it was revealed she won't take part in Strictly this weekend after testing positive for Covid. A statement from hit BBC show Strictly Come Dancing said "all being well", ex-Corrie actress Kym Marsh, 46, will return with pro partner Graziano Di Prima, 28, next weekend. But her pro-dance partner shared an update to his Instagram account - hinting that despite the setback, the pair are still focused on the competition.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyabalapitiya says that the consumption of alcohol in the country has decreased by 30%.The state minister said the production of legal liquor has increased by 11%.He further said that the flooding of illegal alcohol in the market has decreased.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Dangerous Drugs Control Board says that the use of a drug called ICE (methamphetamine) among school children is on the rise.The Chairman of the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, Sakya Nanayakkara said that parents should pay special attention to their children and their activities.He further said that parents should pay special attention to the people their children associate with, their travels, and their children's behaviour.

Covid-19 update: The country's death toll climbed to 5,30,608 with three fatalities, including one reconciled by Kerala. India has reported 389 coronavirus infections, taking the cumulative Covid-19 tally to 4,46,71,219 on Saturday, while active cases declined to 5,395, according to the Union Health Ministry data.  The country's death toll climbed to 5,30,608 with three fatalities, including one reconciled by Kerala, according to the ministry data.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology says that showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva province and Matara, Hambanthota, Ampara and Jaffna districts during the afternoon or night.Mainly fair weather will prevail elsewhere in the country.The misty condition can be expected in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central provinces, and Galle and Matara districts during the morning.Condition of Rain:A few showers are likely in sea areas off the coast extending from Galle to Hambantota via Matara.Winds:Winds will be from a north-easterly or variable direction and the speed will be (20-30) kmph. State of Sea:The sea areas around the island will be slight. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology says that showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva province and Matara, Hambanthota, Ampara and Jaffna districts during the afternoon or night.Mainly fair weather will prevail elsewhere in the country.The misty condition can be expected in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central provinces, and Galle and Matara districts during the morning.Condition of Rain:A few showers are likely in sea areas off the coast extending from Galle to Hambantota via Matara.Winds:Winds will be from a north-easterly or variable direction and the speed will be (20-30) kmph. State of Sea:The sea areas around the island will be slight. 

South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership has won three awards of national trophies.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said that electricity tariffs will be increased, again."No matter who becomes, President, Finance Minister, or Government we cannot avoid another hike in tariffs.," he told Parliament on Friday (25) adding that Sri Lanka will not receive rainfall in 2023 as it did in 2022.Therefore, according to the Minister it costs Rs. 56.90 to generate a unit for the CEB to deliver around clock electricity."We charge Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – On the 26th and 27th of November, the Dawoodi Bohra community of Sri Lanka will host the Bohra Business Exposition 2022 at the Havelock City Hall, from 10am- 9pm.For generations, the Dawoodi Bohra community in Sri Lanka has played an instrumental role in Sri Lanka's business sphere and continually has had an impact on the lives of million employed and engaged with their sectors. Subsequent to their entry into Sri Lanka's business community in 1830, the Bohra entrepreneurs infiltrated the business community as traders and merchants.

With a steady decline in covid cases, several state governments have eased travel norms and mandatory wearing of masks NEW DELHI: India reported 365 fresh coronavirus infections in the last 24 hours, pulling down active cases to 5,516, according to an update by the Union health ministry on Friday. Total reported cases in the country since the pandemic hit in 2020 now stands at 4,46,70,830, and death toll at 530,604. Active cases account for 0.01% of total reported infections, while the recovery rate stands at 98.80%, according to the health ministry.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Government of China has donated 10.6 Million liters of Diesel to Sri Lanka for farmers and fisheries in Sri Lanka.The "Super Eastern" vessel carrying diesel is scheduled to arrive in the country form Singapore to the Port of Colombo tomorrow (26).The embassy earlier tweeted that China will donate 10.6 million liters of diesel to farmers and fishermen in remote areas of Sri Lanka, to upgrade livelihood in the most affected sectors of agriculture & fishery. The shipments are scheduled between November and December, and will be distributed to the needed asap.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A 55-year-old Hotel owner in Ja-Ela was stabbed to death inside his hotel last night, said Police Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa.He further said his wife was also at the hotel during the murder.The Police noted that further investigations are underway.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A special commemoration speech to mark the 55th death anniversary of the late D.A. Rajapaksa was held yesterday (24) under the leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Nawarangahala in Colombo.This ceremony was organised by the Rajapakse Memorial Educational, Cultural and Social Services Foundation, and was presided over by the Venerable Anunayake of the Sri Lanka Ramanya Maha Nikaya, Head of the Minuwangoda Patthaduvana Bhikshu Training Institute Venerable Nadagamuwe Vijaya Maitri Thero.Professor Samitha Hettige of the University of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia delivered the keynote address on “The Belt – Road: Lessons for Sustainable Development”.The book containing the Commemoration speech was also presented to the President.Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena laid a floral tribute at the statue of the Late D.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen has underscored the need for setting up direct shipping connectivity with Sri Lanka to boost trade relations between Bangladesh and the South Asian nation.He also emphasised the resumption of negotiations for the early conclusion of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between the two countries.Bangladesh's foreign minister put the importance while holding a meeting with his visiting Sri Lankan counterpart Ali Sabry on Wednesday on the eve of the 22nd ministerial meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in the capital, a foreign ministry press release said on Thursday.During the meeting, the two leaders discussed the wide spectrum of bilateral relations and expressed hope to work closely together for the betterment of the two peoples and inclusive development of the region.Momen urged Sri Lanka to increase the import of agricultural products and pharmaceuticals from Bangladesh at an affordable price.Sri Lankan foreign minister said that his country is keen to work in close partnership with Bangladesh.The two leaders agreed to expedite the completion of the formalities to form an institutional platform to hold regular and comprehensive dialogues between the two countries at the level of foreign minister.The issue of mutual support for each other's candidature at various international fora was also discussed with due importance.Momen also sought support from Sri Lanka in repatriating the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals sustainably.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa told Parliament on Friday (24) that he did not apply for the post of Prime Minister, during the tenure of Gotabaya Rajapaksa.Sajith Premadasa said that the Former President repeatedly requested him to accept the post of Prime Minister, and four conditions were put forward to Rajapaksa for the establishment of an interim short-term government.• President must resign from his position during a stipulated minimum period of time;• Implement and enact the 19th constitutional amendment within a period of two weeks, with the support of all political parties;• Implement the provisions in the Constitution within a minimum time period to abolish the executive presidency; and• Call for a parliamentary election to allow the public to form a permanent government after implementing the constitutional amendments and rebuilding the community life and ensuring the rule of law.Sajith Premadasa said he wrote to then-President Rajapaksa citing these four conditions to accept the post of Prime Minister, and did not request or apply for the post of Prime Minister.Sajith Premadasa was responding to a comment made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Parliament on Thursday (24).'Our Opposition Leader also said today that I asked for this presidency. I didn't ask for this.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Hambantota International Port (HIP) and Sri Lanka Navy partnered with Shangri La Hotel – Hambantota to kick off the year-end festive season with a mid-sea cake mixing ceremony.The event was held on board a Sri Lankan Naval vessel docked at Hambantota International Port. The Christmas cake, which is complex and unique in its making, is an age-old tradition. While each home has a special recipe for it, hotels have made it into a much anticipated seasonal activity that spells the beginning of the holiday season and this year HIP played an important role in it.“The coming together of the Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) and the Sri Lankan Navy to host this event is significant as Sri Lanka positions itself to receive record numbers of tourists this year for the winter season. We are proud to be a part of this endeavour.

Covid-19: The country's infection tally has climbed to 4,46,62,141, while the active cases have declined to 14,021, the ministry data updated at 8 am stated. India saw a single-day rise of 625 fresh Covid-19 cases, the lowest since April 9, 2020, while no death was reported in a span of 24 hours in first such instance since March 2020, the Union health ministry said on Tuesday. The country's infection tally has climbed to 4,46,62,141, while the active cases have declined to 14,021, the ministry data updated at 8 am stated.

Doctors were able to cure the man with a mix of neutralising antibodies known to be effective against early coronavirus variants A Covid patient who testest for 411 days has finally been cured. This is the longest phase a patient has suffered from the infection anywhere in the world.  As per reports, 59-year-old British man patient first tested positive in December 2020 and he continued to test positive for Covid until January 2022.

up by double digits since July when optimism was waning amid rising cases.With weekly COVID-19 cases now lower than in July, the 65% of U.S. adults who believe the pandemic is improving is up 24 percentage points and on par with readings in February and April. In addition, 24% of Americans say the situation is staying about the same and 11% think it is getting worse.Gallup began measuring public perceptions of the coronavirus situation once per quarter this year after tracking it monthly in 2021 and weekly for much of 2020.Though markedly improved, the current assessment, from an Oct.

Covid-19 update: The death toll climbed to 5,30,479 with 18 fatalities which includes 15 deaths reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated. With 1,216 people testing positive for coronavirus infection in a day, India's tally of Covid-19 cases rose to 4,46,58,365, while the active cases declined to 15,705, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday. The death toll climbed to 5,30,479 with 18 fatalities which includes 15 deaths reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Qatar Fund for Development sent 4.7 tons of urgent medical aid to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.The Aid was received by Jassim bin Jaber J.B. Al-Sorour, Ambassador of the State of Qatar and Keheliya Rambukwella, Minister of Health in Sri Lanka and in the presence of the Diplomats in the Mission and the senior officials of the Ministry of Health in Sri Lanka including  Janaka Chandraguptha, Secretary – Ministry of Health, Dr.

Hong Kong’s attempts to welcome back global investors with a flagship summit were overshadowed by the controversial handling of a top local official’s Covid-19 test result, a typhoon and a lack of debate over how coronavirus restrictions have weakened investors’ confidence in both Hong Kong and mainland China.

The best way to deal with the new COVID variant is to keep the immunity quotient high throughout the year Even after nearly 3 years, COVID remains a threat to us mostly because the virus is still mutating. The latest variant of Omicron continues to be a threat to us as it is said to spreading faster than its predecessors and has immune escape properties. So even if you are vaccinated and also boosted, you still need to be careful.

HONG KONG : Foxconn Technology Group is scrambling to contain a weekslong Covid-19 outbreak at an iPhone factory in central China, trying to appease frightened and frustrated workers during a crucial period for smartphone orders. In Foxconn’s main Zhengzhou facility, the world’s biggest assembly site for Apple Inc.’s iPhones, hundreds of thousands of workers have been placed under a closed-loop system for almost two weeks. They are largely shut off from the outside world, allowed only to move between their dorms or homes and the production lines.

Humza Yousaf has admitted it could take five years for the NHS in Scotland to recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The SNP health secretary spoke candidly today about the huge pressures facing the country's hospitals ahead of a challenging winter period.

Over 4.12 crore adolescents have been administered with the first dose of the vaccine so far, ever since the covid vaccination for the age group 1ṁ2-14 years started on 16 March 2022 New Delhi: India’s Covid-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 219 crore as per the provisional data till Sunday morning, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in a statement. Covid vaccination for the age group 12-14 years started on 16 March 2022 and so far, over 4.12 crore adolescents have been administered with the first dose of the vaccine. The precaution dose administration for age group 18-59 years started from 10 April 2022.

The country’s active caseload has declined to 18,317 taking the total tally of covid cases to 44.6 million and 529,016 deaths so far New Delhi : India reported 1,604 new covid cases in the last 24 hours, as per the Union health ministry. The country’s active caseload has declined to 18,317 taking the total tally of covid cases to 44.6 million and 529,016 deaths so far. While Assam has reported 2,613 active caseload, Gujarat has contributed 414 active cases.

Val Chmerkovskiy will miss Monday's (31. 10. 22) 'Dancing with the Stars' after testing positive for COVID-19.

In the last 24 hours, more than 2,161 patients recovered from the infection. Since the onset of the pandemic, more than 4,41,02,852 people have recovered from the disease. New Delhi: India reported 1,574 new Covid cases in the last 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry.

Val Chmerkovskiy revealed this Friday that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and will have to miss the Halloween episode of Dancing With The Stars.The 36-year-old heartthrob made the announcement in a shirtless Instagram video, saying that while 'I feel fine' he regrets having 'let some people down.'He shared that in his absence, his celebrity dance partner Gabby Windey of Bachelor Nation fame will be temporarily teamed up with pro Alan Bersten. Whoops: Val Chmerkovskiy revealed this Friday that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and will have to miss the Halloween episode of Dancing With The StarsVal said his diagnosis 'sucks majorly, for lack of a better, more profound word, but the good thing is that Gabby tested negative so we’re still in it.'On an optimistic note he pointed out that 'we have some awesome pros on the show, one of them being Alan, who’s gonna step in, learn the routine and partner Gabby this Monday.

A special award was gifted to all NHS Tayside staff at this year’s STAR Awards for their incredible work saving numerous lives during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Health officials have warned about two mutant strains of coronavirus that have emerged in the UK.

The country’s active caseload has declined to 19,798, while the total tally of covid cases has risen to 4.46 crore so far New Delhi: India reported 2,208 new covid cases in the last 24 hours, as per the union health ministry data on Friday. The country’s active caseload has declined to 19,798 while the total tally of covid cases has risen to 4.46 crore so far. The death toll has increased to 5,28,999 so far with 12 fatalities reported in a day.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former Parliamentarian Ranjan Ramanayake was turned away from the Bandaranaike International Airport by Immigration and Emigration Department officials on Friday (28) morning.Airport Immigration and Emigration said the former politician was turned away based on a court order barring overseas travel.Ranjan Ramanayake speaking to News 1st said that an overseas travel ban was imposed on him with regard to case filed over the distribution rice during the COVID-19 pandemic era.Ramanayake said the case was concluded and the overseas travel ban was lifted, however the relevant agencies had not been informed of the matter.He said that action will be taken on Friday (28) to resolve the matter, adding that he was to fly to the United States of America to attend an event.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Health Ministry said that the number of Dengue cases reported in Sri Lanka has increased threefold compared to 2021.So far in 2022, more than 62,000 Dengue cases have been reported.Director of the National Dengue Control Unit, Dr Sudath Samaraweera says 60 people have died from Dengue this year, adding that a majority of the victims were children and those below the age of 50 years.

Selena Gomez has COVID.The Calm Down singer shared the news on her Instagram stories on Wednesday morning as she was seen laying on a sofa with a fur blanket over her as her dogs rested nearby.In her caption, the 30-year-old Wizards Of Waverly Place vet told her followers that they need to take COVID seriously because it is still out there. Ill at home: Selena Gomez has COVID. The singer shared the news on her Instagram stories on Wednesday morning as she was seen laying on a sofa with a fur blanket over her as her dogs rested nearby'I'm not going to be on Fallon tonight,' her noted began.'I ended up getting covid but am resting and feeling ok.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Ministry of Health is preparing to establish a database by spending almost a billion rupees, however no progress has been made with regard to the infamour #DataScam.The approval of the National Medicnes Regulatory Authority is essential for every medicine and medical device imported to Sri Lanka.With the COVID-19 pandemic, most of these activities take place online, and an advertisement published by the NMRA on October 15th, 2020 confirmed this.The functions of the NMRA were carried out online using the Lanka Government Cloud for uploading important data related to medicinesand medical devices.However, the data belonging to the NMRA which was available on the Lanka Government Cloud suddenly went missing, and later it was revealed that it was deliberate deletion.A complaint on data going missing from the NMRA Cloud was filed with the CID on July 23rd, 2021.A software engineer attached to the private company that managed the NMRA system was accused of deleting the data.However, the database did not even have the minimum security measure or a backup facility.The issue went to the Courts on 6th October 2021 where the gravity of the missing data was disclosed.Senior Deputy Solicitor General (DSG) Dileepa Peiris revealed at the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court that medicine racketeer made undue advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic that was spreading across Sri Lanka at the time.In court it was revealed that the systems operator from the private company that managed the NMRA cloud had deleted data for a period of seven long hours.Senior Deputy Solicitor General (DSG) Dileepa Peiris emphasized that all those involved in this crime should be thoroughly investigated and brought to justice as they are

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Board of Directors of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), in consultation with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) have decided to extend the trading hours with effect from 01st November 2022.Accordingly trading hours will be as follows from November onward; Pre-open session – 09:30 a.m.

Active cases in the country has reached to 22,594 across the country taking the total tally of covid cases to more than 4.46 crore New Delhi: India has reported 826 new covid case in the last 24 hours, the union health ministry said on Tuesday. Active cases in the country has reached to 22,594 across the country taking the total tally of covid cases to more than 4.46 crore. Total death figure has reached 528,980 in the last two years.

But what exactly is brain fog, and is it limited to COVID? It is what it sounds like Brain fog is not a medical diagnosis, but rather the description patients tend to use for their symptoms. Brain fog is what doctors refer to as “cognitive dysfunction". This describes problems with closely linked tasks such as concentration, information processing, memory, thinking and reasoning, and making sense of language.

The COVID-19 pandemic claimed thousands of Sri Lankan lives, and News 1st revealed questionable transactions that took place during the height of the pandemic.Approximately 7 Million doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine are to expire on Monday, 31st of October 2022.The Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health repeatedly requested the people of Sri Lanka to obtain the vaccine doses before delay.Pfizer Inc expects to roughly quadruple the price of its COVID-19 vaccine to about $110 to $130 per dose after the United States government's current purchase program expires.Approximately 7 Million doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine are to expire, and if it does the value of those vaccines as per the current market rate would be astronomical.While vaccine stocks are about to expire leading to another colossal waste, Sri Lanka also lost a large sum of money when it delayed placing orders for the vaccine.In February 2020, Sri Lanka recorded its first even COVID-19 infection and it didn't take long for the coronavirus to spread across the country.What did Sri Lanka do when other countries devoted their resources to developing a vaccine?Sri Lankan MPs and Minister dropped pots into rivers, and the so-called miracle tonic Dhammika Paniya was promoted widely – while there was absolutely no interest in procuring the vaccines.Experts in the field of medicine repeatedly called for the government to procure vaccines, however as Sri Lankan authorities opted to myth over science, the procurement of much-needed vaccines was delayed.On the 30th of December 2020, the UK granted approval for the emergency use of the AstraZeneca vaccine prompting many other countries to place immediate orders for the vaccines.As it was also produced by the

The region’s over-50s are being urged to arrange their flu and coronavirus vaccines.