‘COVID CAN WIPE OUT NATIONS’

THE Covid-19 pandemic has the potential to wipe out nations when preventive measures are not followed seriously, frontline health workers and a Covid-9 patient have said. Frontline health workers and a Covid-19 patient, Robert Kolala at Levy Mwanawasa Isolation Centre in Lusaka have warned against taking the coronavirus outbreak as a hoax. Speaking from the isolation centre through a virtual chat with Health Minister, Dr Chitalu Chilufya, Mr Kwalala said Covid-19 was real and not a hoax. He said when he was taken to the isolation centre he could not speak and had an endless cough. Mr Kolala who is recovering after being on oxygen for several days emphasised the need for going to health facilities early when one was not feeling well. He said it was important to detect the virus early to ensure that it was managed promptly before worsening. “I must tell you friends, brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers out there that Covid-19 is real, it’s not a hoax. It is also not just a disease for foreigners, anyone can get it and it has the potential to wipe out nations. So let’s ensure we get help early,” Mr Kolala said. And some frontline health personnel called on the public not to trivialise any symptoms as not being Covid-19. Meanwhile, Dr Chilufya urged the public to adhere to Covid-19 preventive measures, saying that there were many cases in the community than those picked up so far He also said Zambia had in the last 24 hours recorded 71 new cases, out of the 209 tests carried out. Dr Chilufya said the new recorded cases were from Lusaka, Solwezi, Ndola and Kalulushi. He said 465 Covid-19 patients have been discharged. Dr Chilufya explained that 21 patients were on oxygen support machines and that two were in critical condition. He also says the total death toll stands at 140. Dr Chilufya also said several Members of Parliament who tested positive were under care but some were discharged.