Malawi has registered 14 new COVID-19 cases, 93 new recoveries and
three new deaths. Of the new cases, ten are locally transmitted: six from Lilongwe, two from Blantyre, and one each from Neno and Ntcheu Districts while four cases are imported and were identified at Mwanza Border during routine screening of entrants. Two of these cases are from Mulanje, and one each from Blantyre and Thyolo Districts. Three new deaths were registered in the past 24 hours: two from Blantyre and one from Mchinji 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 departed souls rest in peace.
Cumulatively, Malawi has recorded 33,661 cases including 1,123 deaths (Case Fatality Rate is at 3.34%). Of these cases, 2,123 are imported infections and 31,538 are locally transmitted. Cumulatively, 30,686 cases have now recovered (recovery rate of 91.2%) and 134 were lost to follow-up. This brings the total number of active cases to 1,718. In the past 24 hours, two cases were hospitalised while four were discharged. Currently, a total of 23 active cases are hospitalised: ten in Lilongwe, six in Blantyre, two each in Salima and Mchinji, and one each in Zomba, Mangochi, Karonga, and Thyolo Districts. On testing, in the past 24 hours, 210 COVID-19 tests were conducted. Of these, 69 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 6.7%. Cumulatively, 220,384 tests have been conducted in the country so far. On COVID-19 vaccination, 159,574 doses have been administered in the country so far with 1,993 being administered in the past 24 hours.
We are at a critical point where we really need to reduce further new COVID-19 cases to
ensure that we completely stop the spread of the disease in our country. I would like to
appeal to everyone to play their rightful role to sustain this downward trend. Everyone has
to be involved by adhering to the preventive and containment measures. In order to reduce
the spread of the disease in our midst, it is important that we identify by testing those that have the disease, isolate them, and provide appropriate care depending on the severity of
the disease. Contacts of the confirmed cases have to be tested as well .
Let me emphasize that, it is important to report for medical screening when one shows any
COVID-19 symptoms . The most common symptoms include fever, dry cough, and tiredness, while some patients will present with aches and pains, sore throat, diarrhoea, conjunctivitis, headache, loss of taste or smell, rash on skin, or discolouration of fingers or toes. When one experiences these symptoms, there is need to have a COVID-19 test. The following serious symptoms; difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, loss of speech or movement, require immediate medical attention . This will help us to identify the disease in early stages so that appropriate care is given as soon as possible. The public is alsorequested to report any death with unexplained cause to health authorities or by calling the toll free number 929.
Lastly, I would like to request everyone to strictly adhere to the following COVID-19
preventive measures;
Frequent handwashing with soap
Proper wearing of masks
Avoiding over crowded places
Practicing cough and sneeze etiquette
Staying away from others if one has flu like symptoms
Decontaminate commonly touched surfaces
Be reminded that COVID-19 vaccination services are available during this Easter Holiday in all Government and CHAM facilities. For Lilongwe residents, please take note that additional sites have been opened at Gateway Mall and Game Complex and these sites will remain open for the entire Easter Holiday.
Hon. Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, MP
MINISTER OF HEALTH
CO-CHAIRPERSON – PRESIDENTIAL TASKFORCE