In the past 24 hours, Malawi has registered 33 new COVID-19 cases, 348 new recoveries,
one new death. All new cases are locally transmitted: 12 from Blantyre, eight from
Lilongwe, five from Balaka, three from Mzimba North, two from Mangochi, and one each
from Chitipa, Karonga, and Salima Districts. One new death was registered in the past 24
hours and is from Karonga District. To the families that have lost their loved during this
pandemic, may you find peace, hope and love during this difficult times. May the departed
souls rest in peace.
Cumulatively, Malawi has recorded 32,864 cases including 1,084 deaths (Case Fatality Rate is at 3.30%). Of these cases, 2,092 are imported infections and 30,772 are locally transmitted. Cumulatively, 26,607 cases have now recovered (recovery rate of 81%) and 134 were lost to follow-up. This brings the total number of active cases to 5,039. In the past 24 hours, five cases were hospitalised while eight were discharged. Currently, a total of 49 active cases are hospitalised: 14 in Blantyre, 13 in Lilongwe, seven in Zomba, four in Mzimba North, three in Thyolo, two in Kasungu, and one each in Chiradzulu, Nkhata Bay, Ntcheu, Mchinji, Karonga, and Balaka Districts. On testing, in the past 24 hours, 513 COVID-19 tests were conducted. Of these, 162 tests were through SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Diagnostic test while the rest were through RT-PCR. The positive cases out of the total translates to a positivity rate of 6.4%. Cumulatively, 208,678 tests have been conducted in the country so far.
As the public is aware that we had opened Bingu National Stadium Field Hospital in
Lilongwe to assist with the management of COVID-19 patients as we had run out of space at the Kamuzu Central Hospital Treatment Unit. I would like to inform the Nation that currently do not have any patients at the Bingu Field Hospital. Due to reduced number of admissions, those that need admission are being attended to at the Kamuzu Central Hospital Treatment Centre (formerly Skin Clinic). The set up at the Bingu Hospital will remain intact in case of any rise in cases again. For those in Lilongwe that are COVID-19 positive and are isolating at home, once you start experiencing difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, loss of speech or movement , please proceed to seek care at Kamuzu Central Hospital.
In order to reduce the spread of the disease in our midst, it is important that we identify by
testing those that have the virus, isolate them, provide appropriate care depending on the
severity of the disease. Contacts of the confirmed cases have to be tested as well and should quarantine for 14 days. It is important to report for medical screening if you show any
COVID-19 symptoms. Also report any death(s) with unexplained cause to health authorities
or report by calling toll free 929.
Lastly, I would like to request everyone to strictly adhere to the COVID-19 preventive
measures
Frequent handwashing with soap –
Proper wearing of masks
Avoiding over crowded places
Practicing cough and sneeze etiquette
Staying away from others if one has flu like symptoms
Decontaminate commonly touched surfaces
No one is safe until everyone else is safe. Protect yourself. Protect your loved ones. Protect everyone. Call toll free 929.
Hon. Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, MP
MINISTER OF HEALTH
CO-CHAIRPERSON – PRESIDENTIAL TASKFORCE