Suicide victim tests positive for coronavirus

A 27-year-old man who committed suicide on October 31 was found to have contracted COVID-19 during the post mortem investigation.

The Epidemiology Unit says that this is the 22nd COVID-19 related death. 

Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera told the media that they had divided coronavirus deaths into two categories,––direct Covid-19 related deaths and indirect Covid-19 related deaths.

Those who die while being treated for COVID19 at a medical facility belonged to the first category, and those who died due to other causes, but were found to have COVID-19 belong to the second category. Therefore, the suicide victim from Panadura was considered a COVID-19 related death, Samaraweera said.

Five policemen attached to the Panadura Police Station, who handled the body during the preliminary investigations, have been asked to self- quarantine.

They have also been subjected to PCR tests. (RK)