Minister of Health has disclosed that the country has isolated a new strain of the Covid-19 Pandemic which spreads faster.
Speaking during the routine Covid-19 update, Dr. Chitalu Chilufya said the new strain is the same as the one recorded in South Africa which is more contagious.
Dr. Chilufya stated that the country is at the beginning of a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, as there has been an increase in the number of new cases and an average of a death per day in the last two weeks.
He explained that the second wave of Covid-19 is associated with super spreader events such as funerals, weddings, parties, concerts, and drinking places.
“Today we report that Zambia has characterized a new strain of the SARS Cov2 which is the same as the one which was isolated in South Africa. It spreads faster and causes more infections. What the President feared two weeks ago would happen in relation to Covid-19 has now become a reality.”
“We are seeing an increased number of new cases, whilst some disease severity and an average of a death per day in the last two weeks and this signify the beginning of the second wave. Today we report that the second wave of the SARS Cov2 disease in Zambia is firmly established,” Dr. Chilufya said.
Dr. Chilufya added that none adherence to Covid-19 health guidelines may see more people getting infected and overwhelming the health facilities.
And the Health Minister disclosed that the country has recorded 285 new Covid-19 cases with one facility death out of 9, 277 tests conducted in the last 24 hours, while 150 people have recovered.
Dr. Chilufya stated that the cumulative number of cases now stand at 20, 462, and total recoveries at 18, 530, while the death toll is 386.
He said in November, Zambia recorded 1, 200 Covid-19 cases with 8 deaths adding that the numbers have doubled in December as the country has recorded over 2, 600 cases with 28 deaths.
“The new cases are being reported from 27 districts. In our various health care facilities we have 76 cases. Out of these patients 40 are on oxygen and this compares to last week where we only had 36 patients. 7 of our patients are in critical condition, while the previous reporting period only recorded 2.”
“Levy Mwanawasa hospital which did not have patients not too long ago today has 36 patients that are admitted and out of these 24 are on Oxygen,” he stated.
Dr. Chilufya further disclosed that pregnant women are being affected and so far in this wave 2 expectant mothers are under admission.
“We have also noted other characteristics the age range has changed. This time the age range for patients in our facilities is from 17 to 82 years, with the majority being between 25 and 45.”
Meanwhile, Zambia National Public Health Institute Director Victor Mukonka said Poor compliance to public health measures is exacerbating the continued transmission of COVID-19.