Zambia’s death toll in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic has risen to 176, after the country recorded three more fatalities in the last 24 hours.
Speaking at a media briefing, Ministry of Health Spokesperson Dr. Abel Kabalo disclosed that among the reported deaths, one is a Brought In Dead (BID) case from Itezhi-tezhi district.
Dr. Kabalo said of the 176 deaths the country has recorded since the pandemic was detected, 59 have been classified as Covid-19 deaths, 116 are Covid related fatalities, while one is yet to be classified.
“We have unfortunately and on a sad note, recorded three Covid related deaths, one female adult from Itezhi Tezhi who came in as a BID, one 43-year-old female who was admitted to a private health facility and one 71-year-old male known hypertensive who was being treated for severe pneumonia at our Levy Mwanawasa Isolation Centre.”
And Dr. Kabalo disclosed that the country has recorded 229 new Covid-19 cases out of the 1, 112 tests done in the last 24 hours, bringing the cumulative number of cases to 7, 022.
He also revealed that among the 84 active patients, 45 are on Oxygen support, while 6 are in critical condition with 5 admitted in the Intensive Care Unit.
“We have discharged 558 patients in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of recoveries to 5,667.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Kabalo said the Ministry of Health will soon launch the new National Strategy aimed at reducing Covid-19 infections in the country.
He stated that the strategy will provide guidance on the key interventions that the community needs to focus on during the Covid-19 phase.
Dr. Kabalo observed that the pandemic has continued to rise at a very faster rate, as community spread has increased significantly, affecting all segments of society.
“The outbreak continues to increase exponentially and community transmission has increased significantly and our lives are not the same as they were before.”
“The Five point message that’s being promoted for the public to embrace and practice are; to mask up in public places, let us ensure that we maintain social distancing, wash our hands frequently or use alcohol based hand sanitizer, avoid crowded places, and stay at home and please seek medical attention early if you feel you have Covid-19 symptoms,” he said.
He urged members of the Public to embrace the strategy and play an active role in complying with all public health measures that have been put in place.