In the past 24 hours, Malawi has registered five new COVID-19 cases, three new recoveries
and no new death. Of the new cases, one is locally transmitted and is from Zomba DIstrict
while four cases are imported; they recently arrived from India and they are in Lilongwe
District under institutional isolation.
Cumulatively, Malawi has recorded 34,171 cases including 1,153 deaths (Case Fatality Rate is at 3.37%). Of these cases, 2,174 are imported infections and 31,997 are locally transmitted. Cumulatively, 32,159 cases have now recovered (recovery rate of 94.1%) and 134 were lost to follow-up. This brings the total number of active cases to 725. In the past 24 hours, there were no new admissions in the treatment units while no cases were discharged. Currently, a total of seven active cases are hospitalised: three in Blantyre, two in Lilongwe, and one each in Mzimba North, and Zomba Districts. On testing, in the past 24 hours, 335 COVID-19 tests were conducted. Of these, 118 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 1.5% while a weekly positivity rate (seven days moving average) is at 2.7%. Cumulatively, 236,020 tests have been conducted in the country so far. On COVID-19 vaccination, cumulatively 319,323 doses have been administered in the country with 1,185 being administered in the past 24 hours.
As a country, we have managed to reduce the number of new confirmed cases, the admissions and the deaths and this has just not come on its own but because together we have worked so hard to reduce and supress the COVID-19 transmission by adhering to the preventive and containment measures. Though we are registering low number of cases, it is important to note that we are still experiencing community transmission evidenced by the fact that the newconfirmed cases being reported daily are predominantly locally transmitted. Sadly, we have observed that some people have relaxed and are not practicing the COVID-19 preventive and containment measures. At the same time, other countries are observing a surge in the number
of new cases, admissions and deaths, this poses a risk for a third wave across the globe. It is very important at this point that we sustain the gains we have made so far and ensure that we supress the transmission even further by strictly adhering to the COVID-19 preventive and containment measures. Let me emphasize that the low figures being reported now should not make us relax.
In order to suppress and reduce the spread of the disease in our midst, we need to strictly adhere to all the preventive measures and get vaccinated. The preventive measures
reduce the risk of transmission and these include; proper wearing of a mask, observing
physical/social distance and frequent hand washing with soap or use of hand sanitizers.
On vaccination, let me appeal to those that are aged 18 years and above to get vaccinated
and this will reduce their risk of developing severe disease when they contract COVID-19 and the vaccines will also help in reducing the risk of hospitalization and deaths due to COVID-19. Please take note that COVID-19 vaccines are voluntary and free of charge.
No one is safe until everyone else is safe. Get Vaccinated. 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