In the past 24 hours, Malawi has registered 20 new COVID-19 cases, 144 new recoveries and
no new deaths. All new cases are locally transmitted: seven from Lilongwe, four from Dedza, three from Blantyre, two each from Dowa and Ntchisi, and one each from Mchinji and Ntcheu Districts. No new deaths were registered in the past 24 hours. To the families that have lost their loved 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 33,738 cases including 1,125 deaths (Case Fatality Rate is at 3.33%). Of these cases, 2,123 are imported infections and 31,615 are locally transmitted. Cumulatively, 31,140 cases have now recovered (recovery rate of 92.3%) and 134 were lost to follow-up. This brings the total number of active cases to 1,339. In the past 24 hours, four cases were hospitalised while three were discharged. Currently, a total of 26 active cases are hospitalised: ten each in Blantyre and Lilongwe, three in Mchinji, and one each from Mzimba North, Salima, and Zomba Districts. On testing, in the past 24 hours, 523 COVID-19 tests were conducted. Of these, 101 tests were through SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Diagnostic test while the rest were through RT-PCR. The positive cases out of the total (past 24 hours)translates to a positivity rate of 3.8%. Cumulatively, 221,996 tests have been conducted in the country so far. On COVID-19 vaccination, cumulatively 183,390 doses have been administered in the country with 9,560 being administered in the past 24 hours.
As we are still reporting new cases on daily basis, there is need to reduce the further spread of COVID-19 in our midst by strictly adhering to all the preventive measures that have been put in place. One such measure is proper wearing of face masks. I would like to emphasize the need for all of us to strictly wear a face mask in all public places. The use of face masks is part of a comprehensive package of the prevention and control measures that can limit the spread of certain respiratory viral diseases, including COVID-19. Face masks can be used either for protection of healthy persons (worn to protect oneself when in contact with an infected individual) or for source control (worn by an infected individual to prevent onward transmission). This is meant to break the chains of transmission and bringing the pandemic under control.
It is important to note what type of mask to use to effectively protect ourselves and others
from the virus. Those that are COVID-19 positive must self-isolate and put on a medical mask always. Medical masks must always be used when taking care of a COVID-19 suspected or positive patients both in health care setting and at home. Heath care workers and other frontline workers are advised to strictly follow the Infection Prevention and Control measures at all times. The following is a guide on how to wear and remove a mask;
Clean your hands before putting on the mask.
Inspect the mask for tears or holes, do not use a mask that is damaged.
Adjust the mask to cover your mouth, nose, and chin, leaving no gaps on the sides.
Avoid touching the mask while wearing it.
Change your mask if it gets dirty or wet.
Clean your hands before taking off the mask.
Take off the mask by removing it from the ear loops, without touching the front of the mask.
Medical masks are for single use only; discard the mask immediately, preferably into a closed bin. Do not liter
Wash your hands with soap after removing the mask.
If you are using a cloth mask, wash it in hot water using soap at least once a day.
Do not share used masks
On the use of cloth masks in children, children aged up to five years should not wear masks
for source control. For children aged 6 to 11 years could wear a mask based on the child’s
capacity to comply with the appropriate use of masks and availability of appropriate adult
supervision. Children with severe cognitive or respiratory impairments who have difficulties
tolerating a mask should, under no circumstances, be required to wear masks. Remember, a mask alone cannot protect you from COVID-19. It must be combined with other measures, including maintaining at least one-metre distance from each other, washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching your face while wearing a mask in order to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.
No one is safe until everyone else is safe. Get Vaccinated. Protect yourself. Protect your
loved ones. Protect everyone. Call toll free 929.
Hon. Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, MP
MINISTER OF HEALTH
CO-CHAIRPERSON – PRESIDENTIAL TASKFORCE