COVID DEATHS CROSS 1, 000 MARK

THEnumber of people dying from Covid-19 has crossed the 1, 000 mark, bringing the cumulative figure to 1, 002, Minister of Health, Dr Jonas Chanda has said.

Dr Chanda said in the last 24 hours the country recorded 736 new cases of Covid-19 out of 4, 433 tests conducted representing 17 percent positivity.

“We have recorded 11 new deaths, three from Lusaka, two on the Copperbelt, two in Muchinga, two in Central Province, one in Eastern, one in Northern and one in North-Western. The Covid-19 related deaths recorded to date now stand at 1, 002 and we have crossed the 1, 000 mark for deaths recorded.

“The deaths are classified as 532 Covid-19 deaths and 470

Covid-19 associated deaths,” Dr Chanda said during the daily Covid-19 briefing.

Dr Chanda said 962 patients have recovered and discharged from both home management and Covid-19 isolation facilities bringing the cumulative number of recoveries to 66, 013, representing 90 percent.

He said there were currently 6, 188 active cases out of which 304 are admitted to Covid-19 isolation facilities, with 219 on oxygen therapy and 44 in critical condition.

Dr Chanda said 5, 884 cases were under community management.

He urged the public to continue observing the five golden rules to prevent community transmission of diseases such as masking up, maintaining physical distance, washing of hands and avoiding crowded places.

And Dr Chanda has commended the private health sector for their continued provision of support and role in Covid-19 case management.