Minister of Health says Zambia has confirmed its first two cases of Coronavirus also known as COVID-19.
Addressing the media in Lusaka, Dr. Chitalu Chilufya said “the patients are a Zambian couple of Lusaka who include a 37 year old woman and 39 year old man who returned to Lusaka from a 10 day holiday in France with their two children aboard an Emirates flight on 15th March 2020.”
Dr. Chilufya said the patients were screened at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and placed under home quarantine as they did not display symptoms at the time of arrival but that the man reported feeling unwell the following day and health officials collected samples from the couple for laboratory testing.
He disclosed that the laboratory results revealed Covid-19 infection in both individuals who are currently stable and continue receiving and medical care at a designated health facility further urging Zambians not to panic over the reported cases as the situation is under control.
“I wish to now inform the nation that the laboratory results have revealed COVID-19 infection in both individuals. Currently the patients are stable and continue receiving appropriate care at a designated health facility,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Chilufya reiterated the need for citizens to adhere to the public health measures that government has put in place such as avoiding unnecessary travel to COVID-19 high risk countries, restriction on Public gatherings including bars, markets, restaurants, Churches, regular hand washing and ensuring personal hygiene.
He further advised the public to be weary of false rumors that have been circulating through social media platforms and note that official communication relating to the COVID-19 outbreak shall be issued by Ministry of Health.
“I now call upon the public to adhere to the measure put in place, particularly observance of high levels of personal hygiene, environmental cleanliness and social distancing to prevent transmission of COVID-19. I appeal to the public not to panic as the situation is under control.
“The public should be weary of false rumors that have been circulating through social media platforms and note that official communication relating to the COVID-19 outbreak shall be issued by Ministry of Health. I will continue to update the nation regularly as the outbreak evolves including further measures that will be brought into effect,” he stated.
And United Nations Representative Kida Migado says the UN family in Zambia expresses solidarity with the government in trying to fight COVID-19 outbreak.
She advised Zambians to avoid stigmatization and remain united to support government in the fight against the virus.
