Respirators Arrive At MOH As Covid Cases Continue To Fall

A shipment of respiratory aides has arrived at the Ministry of Health in Lusaka today to help treat the 215 patients currently admitted to hospital for Covid-19. They arrive as coronavirus infections mercifully continue to fall, with 168 new cases reported in the country yesterday. 

The Oxygen-Efficient Respiratory Aid (OxERA) devices were donated by mining company Vedanta and will help treat the 144 Covid patients currently receiving oxygen therapy, including 51 patients who are in a critical condition. 

On Monday, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Kennedy Malama reported that a further nine Zambians had died with Covid-19, bringing the total number of deaths to 3,538. 

However, infections are continuing to decline following a peak in late June, when over 2,000 daily cases were being reported. 

Dr Malama said that “as a country we are delighted that the COVID-19 positive trajectory has continued and we are optimistic that we will continue building on this. However, we are also cognizant of the current risk we face which can facilitate spikes particularly with laxity in complying with the prescribed public health and social measures”. 

Vaccination rollout remains slow however, with only 1.7% of the population having received their first dose and 1.2% being fully vaccinated. 

OxERA devices donated by Vedanta arriving at the Ministry of Health.