The Ministry of Health says Zambia’s Covid-19 cases now stand at 6, 793 after the country recorded 213 new cases out of 1, 091 tests conducted in the last 24 hours.
Speaking at a media briefing, Ministry Spokesperson Dr. Abel Kabalo disclosed that among the active cases, 41 patients are on Oxygen support five of whom are in intensive care unit.
Dr. Kabalo observed that the outbreak is spreading at a faster rate, with high geographical spread, further noting an increased number of severe cases, therefore the need for citizens to comply with the set health regulations.
“From the 213 cases, 77 were identified through health care facility screening in Lusaka, Kalulushi 14, Mongu 7, Mpika 6, Ndola 6, Kitwe 5, Chilanga 3, Chisamba 2, Kembe 2, Chililabombwe 1, Kafue 1, and Chingola 1.”
“62 were truck drivers and they were identified in Nakonde, and 49 individuals identified from routine screening in Lusaka which had 25, Chingola 6, Ndola 5, Chongwe 4, Chililabombwe 4, Nakonde 2, Kitwe 2, and Kafue 1. 23 contacts to known cases in Lusaka, which include 19, Kitwe 3 and Chililabombwe 1 and two came health care workers here in Lusaka,” he added.
And Dr. Kabalo revealed that two patients at Levy Mwanawasa isolation center have succumbed to the pandemic, bringing the death toll to 173.
“Sadly, we have lost two patients at Levy isolation facility and both were being treated for severe pneumonia. The cumulative number of Covid-19 related deaths now stands at 173.”
“Following the reclassification of deaths in whom the virus has been detected, it has been determined that 55 are Covid deaths while 113 are Covid associated deaths. Cumulatively, 4 deaths are yet to be classified,” Dr. Kabalo stated.
He further said 408 people have been discharged, bringing the total number of recoveries to 5, 109.