President Lungu Warns On COVID Second Wave
President Lungu has issued a warning that he could introduce stricter measures in the fight against COVID-19 if people continue to be lax.
His warnings come amid concerns that a second wave of the virus may be on the horizon after a sudden increase in numbers in the last two weeks.
Current rules in place require citizens to wear masks and maintain social distancing, as well as washing hands frequently with soap.
In particular President Lungu cited the lax behaviour of people in bars, musical concerts and other social gatherings.
“The responsibility remains with us to quickly curtail this outbreak and prevent a ‘second wave’. The number of requests for public gatherings is concerning as we note increased laxity to the observance of public health measures such as wearing masks and hand hygiene. We have further guided for increased enforcement of public health measures in all public places,” the President stated.
106 new cases of COVID-19 were detected in the 24 hours prior to the President’s statement, from a total of 3,759 tests. This brings the cumulative total of cases to 18,428.
Hospital admissions are also on the rise, with six new cases taking the total number to 16. Six of the 16 are receiving oxygen report.
“Following the discharge of 78 patients, the cumulative number of recoveries from COVID-19 nationally is 17,475. We, unfortunately, lost a patient to COVID-19 in Levy Mwanawasa isolation Center bringing the death toll to 368, with 123 due to COVID-19, and 245 associated COVID-19 deaths,” the President stated.
According to the statement released by State House the provinces most affected by the recent increase are North-Western, Muchinga, Copperbelt, Central, Lusaka and Southern provinces.
“My Government is watching carefully the situation and evolution of COVID-19 as well as adherence to the public health measures by the public. A worsening situation will leave us with no choice but to institute stricter public health interventions,” President Lungu concluded.
