COVID-19 SECOND WAVE WORRY

ZAMBIANS have once again been warned of the potential to record a massive spike in coronavirus cases as well as Covid-19 related deaths if coution is not taken.Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya soundly warned that citizens should ensure that they guard against the anticipated second wave of the corona virus infections which has potential to disrupt many aspects of the economy.Dr Chilufya also said Zambia risks having a spike in the number of Covid-19 cases if people do not adhere to stipulated public health guidelines. Health Ministe, Dr Chitalu ChilufyaSpeaking during the routine update on Covid-19 in Lusaka yesterday, Dr Chilufya said only one patient is admitted at Levy Mwanawasa Covid-19 isolation centre and six were admitted in Solwezi.Dr Chilufya said the country had continued to see a downward trend in the number of infections with 63 cases of Covid-19 recorded in the last 24 hours out of 5, 771 tests that were conducted and no death has been recorded.He said 37 Covid-19 cases were identified during routine screening, one in Chingola, 14 in Kitwe, six in Lusaka and 16 in Ndola, while 26 were also detected during health facility screening – two in Chingola, one in Kabompo; five in Kitwe, five in Lusaka, six in Ndola and seven in Solwezi.”With the onset of the rains, it is expected that ailments such as flus and coughs may contribute to the transmission of coronavirus.Meanwhile, Zambia National Public Health Institute Director Victor Mukonka said the rising cases of Covid-19 globally should serve as a lesson to Zambia if the country was to sustain efforts put in place.Professor Mukonka said, the health authorities have since tightened port health entry at airports and other entry points.A mandatory 14-day quarantine, testing, and regular monitoring at the residence or preferred place of stay is required for persons entering Zambia.Persons arriving are not required to quarantine at a government-designated facility but must communicate to Ministry of Health officials where they intend to reside and provide accurate contact information for regular follow-ups.This includes those entering Zambia at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) and all other Zambian international airports, as well as land borders.Whether or not Zambia records new coronavirus cases is not a passport for citizens to let their guard down.While there is an improvement in adherence levels with many people realising the importance of wearing masks and sanitising, there are still some who are defiant especially when it comes to staying home and avoiding illegal gatherings.It is undeniable that unnecessary movement of people is still rife and worse still some have maintained a casual approach especially in Lu-saka’s high density areas despite the city being the epicenter.But for as long as people keep ignoring the “stay home message” take the pandemic lightly which has, human-to-human transmission will continue.It would be folly for any citizens to underestimate the gravity of the Covid-19 pandemic which has brought the world to standstill.Zambians not relax but strictly adhere to the stipulated Covid-19 guidelines and directives to prevent the second wave of infections. The Sun