In the past 24 hours, Malawi has registered 52 new COVID-19 cases, 23 new recoveries and
two new deaths. Of the new cases, 43 are locally transmitted: 23 from Blantyre, nine from Lilongwe, three from Kasungu, two each from Mangochi and Zomba, and one each from
Mchinji, Mulanje, Mzimba North, and Nkhotakota Districts while nine cases are imported: three from Mangochi, two each from Thyolo and Machinga, and one each from Ntcheu and Karonga Districts. Please take note that in yesterday’s statement, it was erroneously indicated that Likoma registered a new case. Therefore, note that Likoma District did not register a new case and the total number of new cases registered in the country yesterday were 78 not 79. Two new deaths were registered form Blantyre in the past 24 hours. 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 34,832 cases including 1,168 deaths (Case Fatality Rate is at 3.35%). Of these cases, 2,335 are imported infections and 32,497 are locally transmitted. Cumulatively, 32,847 cases have now recovered (recovery rate of 94.3%) and 232 were lost to follow-up. This brings the total number of active cases to 585. In the past 24 hours, there were 11 new admissions in the treatment units while one case was discharged. Currently, a total of 29 active cases are currently hospitalised: 16 in Blantyre, six in Lilongwe, three in Zomba, and one each in Kasungu, Mulanje, Mchinji, and Thyolo Districts. On testing, in the past 24 hours, 590 COVID-19 tests were conducted. Of these, 222 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 8.8% while a weekly positivity rate (seven days moving average) is at 7.8%. Cumulatively, 257,172 tests have been conducted in the country so far. On COVID-19 vaccination, cumulatively 383,273 and 37,412 people have received the first dose and second dose respectively. Over the past 24 hours 2,576 people received the first dose and 4,148 the second dose. A total of 420,685 vaccine doses has been administered in the country so far.
The COVID-19 data in our country shows that a lot of cases (>80%) have mild or no symptoms at all and are advised to self-isolate at home. As we are observing an increase in the number of new COVID-19 cases, the total number of active cases in this country is also going
up; currently at 585 and these active cases will transmit the infection if not well managed. It
is important that those that have been confirmed positive and are isolating at home strictly follow the isolation rules in order not to transmit the disease to others within the household and other community members. Those that are contacts of the confirmed cases must be on quarantine. This is very important as this will help to reduce and stop the human to human transmission of the virus. When taking care of a COVID-19 patient at home, there is need to strictly observe infection prevention and control practices. I would like to share some guidance to help those people that have been confirmed COVID-19 positive and are on self-isolation at home;
• Separate yourself from other people in your home, in a well-ventilated bedroom. Your
family should not stay or sleep in the same room as you.
• Use a separate bathroom. If you must share a bathroom, clean with household disinfectant or soap after every use.
• Avoid sharing items and the same spaces with other people and clean surfaces often.
• Do not share utensils (plates, spoons, cups) with other family members during isolation.
• Stay at least 1 metre away from other people in the home.
• Wear medical facemasks properly to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.The mask should be changed daily and whenever wet or dirty from secretions.
• Cough or sneeze into the fold of your elbow. Alternatively, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and dispose of tissue in a dedicated bin. This should be followed by hand hygiene
• Clean your hands often with soap and water for at least 40 seconds or with alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• It is encouraged that where practical, select a household member without underlying
conditions to take care of the patient.
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