Testing Uncovers Huge COVID-19 Outbreak At Ministry of Works

87 out of 137 staff at the Ministry of Works have tested positive for COVID-19 following voluntary mass testing conducting last week. There were just 18 negative tests, while 26 were inconclusive and 6 are still awaiting results. 

According to Minister of Works and Supply Sylvia Bambala Chalikosa MP the results indicate that some staff members have the virus without showing any signs or symptoms. 

The testing followed four confirmed cases and a death, with the Ministry also fumigating the premises as part of its response.

Those with positive results have been advised to work from home and to self-quarantine in line with government guidelines. Family members of the affected staff are also advised to get tested in order to help identify positive cases and slow the spread of the virus. 

Minister Chalikosa’s own test result was inconclusive. She is due to have a follow up test in the coming days. 

The news comes as the Cabinet directed the Ministry of Health and other agencies to enforce COVID-19 measures such as the mandatory wearing of masks in public.

As of Monday, Zambia had recorded 28,596 cases, with 20,781 recoveries and 166 deaths. 224 were hospitalised with the virus, while a further 7,120 cases exist in the community.