Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Kalumbi Shangula on Thursday announced that Namibia recorded 717 new COVID-19 cases, making this the highest number of cases reported in one day since the start of the pandemic last year.
The new cases bring the total number of COVID-19 confirmed cases in Namibia to 56 981.
The cases had a gender distribution of 409 females and 308 males between the ages of nine months and 98 years.
Shangula said 12 deaths were also recorded in the districts of Windhoek, Keetmanshoop, Walvis Bay, Engela, Gobabis and Karasburg, bringing the total number of deaths to 877. All 12 deceased persons, aged between 17 and 85 years, are reported to have had comorbidities.
The Khomas Region recorded the highest number of cases at 382 followed by Hardap with 84 and Erongo with 72 cases.
//Kharas recorded 39 cases, Otjozondjupa 36, Oshana 34, Omusati 19, Kunene 12, Kavango East 11, Zambezi 10, Omaheke seven, Ohangwena six and Oshikoto five.
“Among the cases are 80 learners, 17 students, 33 teachers and 11 employees from the mining industry,” Shangula announced further.
A total of 129 new recoveries were also recorded, bringing the total recoveries to 51 177.
The active cases on Thursday stood at 4 916 with 280 hospitalised cases, of which 47 are in Intensive Care Units.
Cumulatively, 72 371 COVID-19 vaccine first doses and 10 536 COVID-19 vaccine second doses were administered by Thursday.
Shangula warned that the cases continue to rise at an alarming rate, which he said is an indication that people are not strictly following the COVID-19 infection prevention and control measures.
“We once again strongly emphasise the importance of adhering to COVID-19 regulations, which include correct and consistent wearing of masks, frequent washing of hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub, and observing social distancing at all times, as well as avoiding unnecessary travels and gatherings. These measures cannot be over- emphasised if we are going to see zero transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in our communities,” he said.
Source: Namibia Press Agency
