In the past 24 hours, Malawi has registered 214 new COVID-19 cases, 14 new recoveries and
three new deaths. Of the new cases, 210 are locally transmitted cases: 80 from Blantyre, 35 from Lilongwe, 19 from Ntchisi, 15 from Kasungu, 12 from Zomba, eight from Mchinji, six from Chikwawa, five each from Mzimba South and Salima, four each from Mangochi and Thyolo, three each from Balaka, Mulanje, Mzimba North, and Ntcheu, and one each from Chiradzulu,, Dowa, Nkhotakota, Nsanje, and Rumphi Districts while four are imported cases: two from Mulanje, and one each from Dedza and Ntcheu Districts. Three new deaths were registered in the past 24 hours; two from Blantyre and one from Chiradzulu Districts. To the families that have lost their loved ones during this pandemic, may you find peace, hope and love during this difficult time. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.
Cumulatively, Malawi has recorded 36,573 cases including 1,202 deaths (Case Fatality Rate is at 3.29%). Of these cases, 2,448 are imported infections and 34,076 are locally transmitted. Cumulatively, 33,242 cases have now recovered (recovery rate of 90.9%) and 232 were lost to follow-up. This brings the total number of active cases to 1,897. In the past 24 hours, there were 21 new admissions in the treatment units while eight cases were discharged. Currently, a total of 83 active cases are currently hospitalised; 30 in Blantyre, 18 in Lilongwe, eight in Zomba, four in Balaka, three each from Kasungu, Mulanje, Mchinji, Thyolo, and Machinga, two from Chiradzulu, and one each in Mzimba North, Salima, Dowa, Neno, Nkhotakota, and Chitipa Districts. On testing, in the past 24 hours, 1,646 COVID-19 tests were conducted. Of these, 805 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 13% while a weekly positivity rate (seven days moving average) is at 13.8%. Cumulatively, 271,193 tests have been conducted in the country so far. On COVID-19 vaccination, cumulatively 385,242 and 43,165 people have received the first dose and second dose respectively. The COVID-19 vaccination remain paused hence no doses were administered over the past 24 hours. A total of 428,407 vaccine doses has been administered in the country so far.
We are observing a resurgence of COVID-19 in our country and our data indicates a rapid
increase in the number of COVID-19 new cases and admissions being reported in most districts with Blantyre reporting the highest number of the cases. The situation is worrisome as this indicates an increased transmission in our communities. Most of the cases being reported are from local transmission and in this state, let me remind everyone that the chances of those confirmed positive transmitting the disease to those in close contact with them is very high, it
is therefore important that the contacts of the confirmed cases get tested. Many of our COVID-19 patients are asymptomatic and this is why it is important to treat everyone you meet as a potential carrier of the disease and ensure strict adherence to the preventive and containment measures. In order to reduce and stop the spread of COVID-19 in our country, we need to identify those that have the disease through testing, isolate them and provide appropriate care depending on the severity of the disease. The contacts of the confirmed cases have to be traced and tested as well to ascertain whether they have the disease or not.
It is important that everyone of us promptly reports for testing whenever we experience
COVID-19 symptoms. The most common symptoms include fever, dry cough, and tiredness, while in some patients it presents with aches and pains, sore throat, diarrhoea, conjunctivitis, headache, loss of taste or smell, rash on the skin, or discolouration of fingers or toes. When one has these symptoms, there is need to have a COVID-19 test. The early testing will help to reduce the spread of the disease in our communities as those positive are isolated and also it helps to receive appropriate care early as this has an influence on the disease outcome. The earlier the disease is identified, the higher the chance of positive treatment outcomes.
To reduce and stop the further spread of the disease in our country, we really need to strictly adhere to all the preventive and containment measures of COVID-19. This is the time for us to seriously consider re-strategizing our day to day lives and only make decisions that help to
reduce the spread of the virus in our midst. The most important preventive measures we should implement are observing physical distancing, hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette including proper wearing of facemask and ensuring adequate ventilation when having activities indoor.These measures are essential for reducing the spread of COVID-19. Everyone must continue taking steps to protect themselves and others from COVID-19 transmission.
No one is safe until everyone else is safe. 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