Minister of Health has disclosed that Zambia’s Covid-19 related deaths have risen to 128, while 123 people have been discharged, bringing the cumulative number of discharges to 1,620.
Speaking at a media briefing, Dr. Chitalu Chilufya revealed that this follows two more deaths from Levy Mwanawasa isolation center and University Teaching Hospital (UTH).
Dr. Chilufya added that 61 patients are currently in admission out of which 17 at Levy Mwanawasa isolation facility are on Oxygen support, while 5 are in critical condition.
“In terms of the deaths, we have recorded 128 deaths in whom Covid-19 was isolated, this follows two more deaths from Levy Mwanawasa isolation centre, and UTH. The cumulative number of deaths classified according to WHO guidelines are as follows: 28 Covid deaths, 92 Covid associated deaths, and 8 are being reviewed pending classification.”
“In admission we now have 61 patients, 17 patients at Levy are on Oxygen support, and 5 are in critical condition. We have discharged 123 cases, bringing the cumulative number of discharges to 1, 620,” Dr. Chilufya said.
And Dr. Chilufya disclosed that the country has recorded 178 new cases in the last 24 hours from 959 tests conducted, bringing the cumulative number to 3, 326.
He said the new cases involved 104 that were screened in health care facilities, 97 in Lusaka, 4 in Ndola, 1 in Mufulira, 1 Chililabombwe and 1 in Chingola.
“35 cases were contacts to known cases, 29 out of routine screening, and 6 health care workers and 4 truck drivers in Lusaka.”
Dr. Chilufya noted that the pandemic which has disrupted many areas of people’s livelihood, is likely to continue rising in the month of July and August due to the cold weather, hence the need for collective action in order to stop the trend.
“Covid-19 has disrupted many areas of our livelihood, but with collective action, we can stop the trend, we can stop community spread. We will continue to see a surge in cases in July and August due to the cold weather,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Zambia Telecommunications Company Limited (ZAMTEL) has closed its Head Office in Lusaka with immediate effect after one staff member tested positive for Covid-19.
In a statement to Money FM News, Company Head of Corporate Affairs and Government Relations Reuben Kamanga advised customers to utilize online platforms to accesses products and services.