In the past 24 hours, Malawi has registered 21 new COVID-19 cases, 528 new recoveries and
three new deaths. All new cases are locally transmitted: nine from Blantyre, five from
Lilongwe, three from Mchinji, two from Dowa, and one each from Karonga and Mangochi
Districts. Three new deaths were registered in the past 24 hours: two from Kasungu and one
from Ntcheu Districts. To the families that have lost their loved during this pandemic, may
you find peace, hope and love during this difficult times. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.
On COVID-19 vaccination, cumulatively 24,550 people have been vaccinated in the country
with 643 being vaccinated in the past 24 hours. Cumulatively, Malawi has recorded 33,237
cases including 1,096 deaths (Case Fatality Rate is at 3.30%). Of these cases, 2,100 are
imported infections and 31,137 are locally transmitted. Cumulatively, 28,636 cases have now recovered (recovery rate of 86.2%) and 134 were lost to follow-up. This brings the total number of active cases to 3,371. In the past 24 hours, five cases were hospitalised while six
were discharged. Currently, a total of 36 active cases are hospitalised: 10 in Blantyre, seven
in Lilongwe, four in Thyolo, three each in Zomba and Mchinji, two each in Mzimba North and Phalombe, and one each in Nkhata Bay, Mangochi, Balaka, Salima, and Chiradzulu
Districts. On testing, in the past 24 hours, 374 COVID-19 tests were conducted. Of these, 115
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 5.6%.
Cumulatively, 212,845 tests have been conducted in the country so far.
On COVID-19 vaccination, let me inform the public that we are continuously working on
training more vaccination teams in the districts to ensure that more vaccination sites become
operational to increase access to the COVID-19 vaccine to the priority groups in the first
phase. As communicated on Thursday that, apart from continuing vaccinating the Health
Care Workers and other Social Workers, we rolled out vaccinating those with underlying
conditions (such as diabetes, asthma, hypertension) and those aged 60 years and above. It is important to note that the delivery platform remains the government and CHAM health facilities. The public is requested to contact their local/district health authorities for specific vaccination schedules for their area or district as more sites are being opened from
tomorrow.
Let me request those coming for vaccination to bring their National Identity Cards while
those with underlying medical conditions to also remember to bring their health passport book (health profile). The public should be reminded that the COVID-19 vaccine is free of
charge and that it is voluntary. In the spirit of Covax, the vaccine is being distributed to all
corners of the country to allow for equitable access. Let us all wait for our turn. It is
important to give chance to those most at risk first.
Lastly, let me emphasize that the AstraZeneca vaccine which we are using, is safe as it has less or fewer side effects and most of them are minor and self-limiting and these include pain or soreness on the injection site, fever, headache, muscle or joint pain, fatigue or nausea and these will usually go away without any need of hospital treatment. As with any other vaccines, those that are receiving the vaccine are informed on the possible side effects of the vaccine including those that may be required to be immediately reported to the health facilities. Those that have or will be receiving the vaccine are encouraged to report to nearest health facility any adverse effects following immunization or call toll free number 929. Remember, the COVID19 vaccine is being rolled out to help to reduce deaths, the risk of
hospitalization and severe disease from COVID-19.
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 TASKFOR