Zambia has recorded 21 Brought in Dead (BID) cases in Lusaka, and two new facility Covid-19 related deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing the death toll to 199.
Ministry of Health Spokesperson Dr. Abel Kabalo disclosed at a media briefing that among the 21 BIDs, 20 were recorded at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) and 1 at Kanyama health center.
“In addition to the BIDs, we have recorded two new Covid related facility deaths. One 85 year old male with severe Pneumonia and underlying hypertension, and one 52 year old male with severe pneumonia, both deaths occurred at the Levy isolation center. This brings the cumulative number of Covid related deaths to 199.”
“Following the reclassification of deaths in which the virus has been detected, it has been determined that 62 are Covid deaths while 116 are Covid related deaths and the 21 deaths are yet to be classified,” Dr. Kabalo stated.
Dr. Kabalo also revealed that the country has recorded 142 new Covid-19 cases out of 724 tests conducted, bringing the cumulative number of cases to 7, 164, while 119 people have been discharged.
He further said 80 patients are currently admitted to various isolation facilities, out of which 37 are on oxygen support, with 6 in Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Meanwhile, Dr. Kabalo said as Africa approaches the one million cases mark, there is need for Zambia to up the game if the country is to see a decline in the number of cases and deaths.
He reiterated the importance of compliance to public health guidelines such as masking up in public, social distancing, avoiding crowded places and washing hands frequently with water and soap, using alcohol based hand sanitizer, and seeking medical attention early if Covid-19 symptoms persist.
“What we have noted unfortunately is that compliance levels among the public are very low and this will not help us to reduce the transmission of Covid-19. “
“It is also disheartening to see that majority of people are not wearing masks, while those doing so, the majority are wearing them incorrectly,” he said.
He urged members of the public to take personal responsibility in order to protect themselves and others adding that with increasing evidence of community spread, the public is now drawn to the frontline of the Covid-19 battle.
“Shop and restaurant owners must ensure that all their customers are appropriately masked before they enter their premises. Business owners must take responsibility not only for themselves but also for their workers and customers.”