In the past 24 hours, Malawi has registered 13 new COVID-19 cases, 14 new recoveries and no new deaths. Of the new cases, nine are locally transmitted: four from Blantyre, two from
Mulanje, and one each from Chikwawa, Mangochi, and Mzimba North Districts while fourare imported (one each from India, USA, Uganda, and South Africa): three are in Lilongwe District under institutional isolation, and one is from Blantyre District.
Cumulatively, Malawi has recorded 34,251 cases including 1,153 deaths (Case Fatality Rate is at 3.37%). Of these cases, 2,195 are imported infections and 32,056 are locally transmitted. Cumulatively, 32,260 cases have now recovered (recovery rate of 94.2%) and 232 (98 new)were lost to follow-up. This brings the total number of active cases to 606. In the past 24 hours, there were two new admissions in the treatment units while one case was discharged. Currently, a total of six active cases are hospitalised: two each in Blantyre and Zomba, and one each in Lilongwe and Mulanje Districts. On testing, in the past 24 hours, 501 COVID-19 tests were conducted. Of these, 138 tests were through SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Diagnostic test while the rest were through RT-PCR. The positive cases out of the total number tested(past 24 hours) translates to a positivity rate of 2.6% while a weekly positivity rate (seven days moving average) is at 1.9%. Cumulatively, 240,695 tests have been conducted in the country so far. On COVID-19 vaccination, cumulatively 339,481 doses have been administered in the country with 2,655 being administered in the past 24 hours.
To safeguard the country from importing more cases, the government has put measures in the port of entries and these include; screening of all travellers and ensuring that those coming
into the country have a valid PCR COVID-19 negative test certificate (validity within 72 hours prior to arrival) and mandatory institutional quarantine for those coming from high risk countries (Brazil, India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh). However, we have noted that there are some people that are coming into the country using uncharted routes and this is posing a huge risk of importing COVID-19 new infections in our country. Let me appeal to everyone in the country especially those communities living along our borders to desists from aiding those using the uncharted routes but to report to the law enforcement agencies when they observe anyone using the uncharted routes. Let me request our community leaders, the security agencies and the Councils to collaborate to ensure that this is done. Together we can make
our country safe.
Let me remind everyone to strictly adhere to the Covid-19 containment measures; wash your hands or use hand sanitizers, wear your mask, maintain social distance and avoid overcrowded places.
No one is safe until everyone else is safe. Get Vaccinated. Seconds save lives – clean your
hands! Protect yourself. Protect your loved ones. Protect everyone. Call toll free 929.
Hon. Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, MP
MINISTER OF HEALTH
CO-CHAIRPERSON – PRESIDENTIAL TASKFORCE