609 test positive in a week

MBABANE – In the past seven days, a total of 609 people tested positive for COVID-19, while 6 993 individuals got vaccinated. The highest number of positive cases was recorded on Wednesday where 139 people were found to have the virus; followed by Tuesday where 126 new cases were recorded; on Monday there were 113 new cases, while 103 were recorded on Thursday.

The lowest number was recorded last Sunday where only 13 tested positive; with the second lowest being 31 cases and these were recorded yesterday, while 84 new cases were recorded on Friday.

The total number of people who took COVID-19 tests since Sunday is at 3 111 and the highest number was recorded on Monday, where 590 vaccinated and the lowest was on Sunday when only 319 took the jab.

By yesterday, the number of vaccinated people had increased to 29.9 per cent (346 847) of the total population from last Sunday’s 29.3 per cent (339 854).

Only two fatalities were recorded throughout the week; one was on Monday and the other was on Tuesday; this brings the total to 1 402.

There are 747 active cases and only 16 are currently admitted at health institutions.

The Ministry of Health is encouraging the public to adhere to the following;

● Wear a mask during large outdoor gatherings, all indoor events, in shops and in public transport.

● Wash your hands frequently with soap and running water for at least 40 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

● Watch your distance; it must be at least one metre away from another person during large outdoor gatherings and all indoor gatherings. ● Avoid the Three Cs: Closed spaces with poor ventilation; crowded places with many people near each other and close-contact settings such as close-range conversations. A combination of these three Cs results in a high transmission of the virus.

● Opt for the outdoors.

● Vaccination cards are not allowed at the border.

● Outbound travellers from Eswatini must also comply with requirements.

● Children under 12 years are exempted from the amended measures.