Covid-9 admissions down – Health minister

By KALOBWE BWALYA ZAMBIA has continued to record huge reductions in Covid-19 case admissions to a low of 212 similarly, the country has seen its rate halved daily says Health Minister Dr Jonas Chanda. Dr Chanda said the mortality rate of one in the last 24 hours is the lowest since the onset of the second wave. He has however stressed that this is by no means an indication that people should lower their guard. Speaking during the Covid-19 update in Lusaka yesterday, Dr Chanda commended case management teams for their tireless efforts to ensure that the country reduces the number of deaths from COVID-19. Meanwhile, Dr Chanda said the country has in the last 24 hours recorded 597 new cases out of 7, 418 tests conducted, representing an eight percent positivity rate. He also disclosed that about 3, 080 were Covid-9 active cases across the county, 2, 868 are under community management and 212 are admitted to Covid isolation facilities. Dr Chanda said among those hospitalised, 149 were on oxygen therapy and 36 were in critical condition. Dr Chanda however observed that most people were not observing the health guidelines especially from densely populated areas. He disclosed that the World Bank through the Zambia Covid-19 emergency response and health systems preparedness project has provided over $15 million in financing towards the purchase of ambulances, laboratory equipment, drug, PPEs and medical equipment.