Zambians Told To Stick To The Rules As Covid Cases Rise

Newly-appointed minister for health, Dr Jonas Chanda, has called for greater, multi-sectoral enforcement of public health guidelines as the number of cases of Covid-19 continues to rise. Nearly 2,000 positive tests were recorded on Sunday as the ministry of health urged Zambians to stick closely to the rules. 

Speaking during the daily coronavirus briefing on Monday, Dr Chanda also encouraged the use of traditional home-based remedies to manage patients with mild fevers and other non-threatening symptoms. 

The minister further announced that Maina Soko military hospital will become a new isolation centre, admitting moderate to less critical patients. The ministry has seconded additional staff to work at the facility in a bid to alleviate pressure on current isolation centres at Levy Mwanawas and University Teaching hospitals. 

In the past 24 hours Zambia has recorded 1,531 new coronavirus cases, out of 8,749 tests. This is a total positive rate of 17.5%. It brings the total number of cases to 37,605 since the pandemic began. 

According to Dr Chanda, 305 patients are currently in government healthcare facilities, with 206 receiving oxygen therapy and 16 in critical condition. 9 patients have sadly died in the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 546.