The number of locally transmitted coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infections has now risen to 639 one less than the number of imported cases, which for a long time, were the main source of Malawi’s rising numbers.
According to Ministry of Health figures for July, Malawi 77 new COVID-19 cases, 11 new recoveries, and no new deaths.
“Of the new cases, 58 are contacts of confirmed cases, 18 are under investigation and one is imported. Of the locally transmitted infections, 37 are from Lilongwe, eight from Zomba, eight from Blantyre (one healthcare worker), three from Rumphi and one each from Mangochi and Neno (both are health care workers),” reported Dr John Phuka, co-chairperson of the COVID-19 Taskforces.
Ntchisi now the only district with low cases of the virus Sixteen of the cases under investigation are from Blantyre and one each from Lilongwe and Machinga. The imported case is from Blantyre and was identified through routine screening at Mwanza border.
Cumulatively, Malawi has recorded 1342 cases including 16 deaths. A total of 271 cases have now recovered bringing the total number of active cases to 1055.
“We have seen an increase of clusters of COVID-19 identified by contact tracing within workplaces in our country. This shows that there is high local transmission within those institutions. The risk of exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace depends how often people get within one metre of each other.
“In having frequent physical contact with people who may be infected with COVID-19, and through contact with contaminated surfaces and objects. Therefore, I would like to remind all employers and employees to strictly observe all preventive measures to prevent COVID-19 transmission at workplaces,” he advises.
Meanwhile, the virus has spread to all but one district in Malawi, Ntchisi has the lowest recordings
