Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Kalumbi Shangula on Tuesday announced that Namibia recorded 722 new COVID-19 cases, making this the highest daily figure recorded since the start of the pandemic.

The cases had a gender distribution of 399 females and 323 males between the ages of one month and 92 years.

Shangula said the country also recorded 16 COVID-19 related deaths from the districts of Windhoek, Rehoboth, Tsumeb, Grootfontein, Otjiwarongo, Walvis Bay and Oshakati bringing the total number of deaths to 936.

All 16 deceased persons, aged between 32 and 99 years, are reported to have had comorbidities.

Of the new cases, Khomas recorded the highest number at 395 followed by Omaheke with 66, Hardap 47 and Oshana and Kavango East each recording 33. Ohangwena recorded 22 cases, Omusati 16, Otjozondjupa seven, Oshikoto and Kunene each recorded four cases and Zambezi recorded three.

Shangula said the new cases include 108 learners, 25 healthcare workers, 31 teachers and 22 students.

Cumulatively, 78 397 COVID-19 vaccine first doses and 12 321 second doses were administered by Tuesday.

The minister also reported 256 new recoveries, bringing the total number of recoveries to 52 646.

As of Tuesday, Namibia had 6 221 active cases and 324 hospitalisations of which 61 were admitted to intensive care.

“COVID-19 infection continues to rise daily and more cases are being hospitalised. We urge all Namibians to practice the infection prevention and control measures; get vaccinated, wear face masks, observe social distancing, frequently sanitise your hands with clean water or an alcohol-based hand rub and avoid unnecessary travelling and gathering,” reiterated Shangula.

Source: Namibia Press Agency