COVID-19 SITUATION UPDATE AS OF 23RD MARCH 2021
In the past 24 hours, Malawi has registered 53 new COVID-19 cases, 173 new recoveries and
one new death. Of the new cases. 42 are locally transmitted: 13 from Mzimba North, 11
from Blantyre, six from Lilongwe, three from Salima, two each from Dedza and Mzimba
South, and one each from Dowa, Mchinji, Ntcheu, and Ntchisi Districts while 11 new cases are imported of which six were identified through routine screening at Mwanza border,
three were identified among 240 residents that were returning from South Africa, and two
were identified at Mwami Border. Of the imported cases, four are from Blantyre, two each from Dedza and Lilongwe, and one each from Machinga, Mangochi, and Mchinji Districts. One new death was registered in the past 24 hours and is from Thyolo District. To the families that have lost their loved during this pandemic, may you find peace, hope and love at this difficult time. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.
On COVID-19 vaccination, cumulatively 38,804 people have been vaccinated in the country
with 13,215 being vaccinated in the past 24 hours. Cumulatively, Malawi has recorded
33,323 cases including 1,099 deaths (Case Fatality Rate is at 3.30%). Of these cases, 2,110are imported infections and 31,213 are locally transmitted. Cumulatively, 29,120 cases have now recovered (recovery rate of 87.4%) and 134 were lost to follow-up. This brings the total number of active cases to 2,970. In the past 24 hours, four cases were hospitalised
while three were discharged. Currently, a total of 34 active cases are hospitalised: 13 in
Blantyre, eight in Lilongwe, three each in Zomba and Mzimba North, two in Thyolo, and
one each in Nkhata Bay, Mangochi, Mchinji, Phalombe, and Chiradzulu Districts. On testing, in the past 24 hours, 826 COVID-19 tests were conducted. Of these, 189 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, 214,071 tests have been conducted in the country so far.
As we approach and also during the Easter holidays, please avoid unnecessary travel and also mass gatherings. To ensure that the risk of COVID-19 transmission is minimized during this festive month, I would like to request every one of us to include COVID-19 preventive
measures as we plan our cerebrations. Any time we are with family and friends, there are
things that we need to follow to ensure that our time together is safe. In order to limit the
risk of transmission, open air events are preferred over indoor activities. In case of indoor activities ensure that there is adequate ventilation. Everyone must continue taking steps to protect themselves and others from COVIS-19 transmission. Further, it is important to avoidthe ‘3 C’ settings where COVID-19 spreads most easily: crowds, close-contact settings and confined spaces.
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