Zimpapers Logo

LUSAKA. – While still battling to control a cholera outbreak, Zambia has also activated Covid-19 monitoring systems after registering an increase in new cases.

Zambian Health Minister Sylvia Masebo said the move had been triggered by hospital admissions and two deaths in Lusaka and the Copper Belt.

“The positivity rate for those being tested has increased to above 6%. Currently, we have seven patients with Covid-19 in our admission facilities.

“Sadly, we lost one male patient, aged 32, who had severe Covid pneumonia.” 

Dr Kennedy Lishimpi, the permanent secretary for technical services at the Zambian health ministry, has since written to provincial health directors advising them about the emerging Covid-19 situation.

“In addition to the cholera outbreak, Zambia is experiencing a rise in cases of coronavirus disease. During the first week of January, 110 new cases of Covid-19 were recorded.” – News24.com