Kitwe enhances screening

KITWE has enhanced preventive measures against COVID 19 in the wake of two cases recorded in neighbouring Chingola which is about 47 kilometres away, District Commissioner Chileshe Bweupe has said

Mr Bweupe, who is the District Preparedness Committee Chairman, said authorities would strictly screen those coming from Chingola and surrounding areas.

In an interview, Bweupe said the multi-sectoral team had adopted a proactive stance and intensified efforts to curb the spread of the COVID-19 to Kitwe.

Last week, a Chingola couple tested positive after returning from a business trip to Nakonde and the pair has since been admitted to an isolation centre in Masaiti.

Mr Bweupe said he was hopeful that the provincial health team would supply the district with some Covid-19 testing kit.

Currently, testing was being done in Ndola at the Tropical Disease Research Centre, which is accommodated at the Ndola Teaching Hospital premises.

“Obviously, the two COVID cases in Chingola have brought fear to Kitwe and it calls for heightening of preventive measures in the district. We don’t need for a disaster to happen before we can act.

“This is why we are asking the provincial health team to supply us with a COVID 19 testing kit so that we could set the stage for effective preventive measures,’’ Mr Bweupe said.

And Mr Bweupe has urged marketeers and the general population in Kitwe to wear masks properly and desist from being difficult for nothing because it was their life at stake.

He said people should not even try to be difficult when reminded about the imperative need to wear masks, but humbly cooperate and adhere to the Ministry of Health guidelines.