Virus outbreak swells at school
A school in the Oshikoto region has now more than 70 confirmed cases of Covid- 19 after 48 learners tested positive for the virus at the weekend.
A learner at the Nehale Senior Secondary School initially tested positive a couple of weeks ago. However, this was followed by cluster transmissions, which saw the number rising to ten on 20 September and 11 new cases on 21 September, including one support staff. Yesterday, health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula announced 48 new infections. “As I have mentioned yesterday (Saturday) about increasing number of cases in crowded settings or facilities like schools, today, we record a high number of 48 learners from a senior secondary school in Onandjokwe district, Oshikoto region,” said Shangula, who yesterday announced 115 new positive cases and 27 recoveries.
“These are contacts of learners who tested positive at the same school earlier. We are observing sporadic cases from different schools countrywide, which indicates active transmission. Hence, strict measures are encouraged in schools to limit spread among learners.” Oshikoto education director Aletta Eises last week told New Era that more tests were being conducted at the school.
Windhoek yesterday reported 37 cases, Swakopmund (13), Otjiwarongo (5), Okahandja (3), Mariental, Okakarara, Rundu (2), while Katima Mulilo, Rehoboth and Omaruru reported a case each.
The country has cumulative confirmed cases of 11 033, 8 776 recoveries and 2 137 active cases. The virus has claimed 120 lives, while authorities have conducted 95 894 tests.
Crematorium operational again
Meanwhile, City of Windhoek spokesperson Harold Akwenye said the crematorium operations that were halted a week ago will start working again today. The disruption came at a time when Covid-19 deaths continue to be reported in the country. Some families of Covid-19 victims have opted for cremation.
This service is only available in Windhoek at the moment.
“We did not cremate since Monday, 21 September 2020; the crematorium operations were halted, as there was a need for the replacement of the cremation filter,” he noted.
Ministry of health deputy executive director Petronella Masabane said people have the option to cremate their loved ones who succumbed to Covid-19.
“If the crematorium is out of order, then that option is not possible. The ministry hopes the City of Windhoek will be able to maintain the crematorium to allow families that option,” said Masabane.