Niël Terblanché
THE number of COVID-19 cases and fatalities ascribed to the disease have decreased in numbers again, which might be an indication that the third wave of the pandemic has reached its peak.
The Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula said that a total 26 COVID-19 deaths were recorded between 29 June and Saturday, 17 July.
He said that nine of the fatalities occurred in the health district of Rundu, seven in the health district of Grootfontein, four in the Opuwo health district, two each in the health districts of Swakopmund and Katima Mulilo, and one death each in the health districts of Windhoek and Nyangana.
He added that six of the fatalities occurred while people were receiving treatment at home.
“Among the reported deaths, one occurred on 29 June, 22 occurred between 9 and 16 July, and three occurred between Friday and Saturday,” he said.
The latest deaths registered in Namibia caused the cumulative death toll to increase to 2 532.
At the same time, the health minister announced that 664 people from a test batch of 2 172 received positive test results.
He added that the positivity ratio of 31% is indicative of a path of decline.
According to Dr. Shangula, 130 people from the Oshana Region, 100 from the Erongo Region, 75 from the Karas Region, 66 from the Oshikoto Region, 50 from the Ohangwena Region, 49 from the Omusati Region, 45 from the Khomas Region, 34 from the Zambezi Region, 32 from the Kunene Region, 30 from the Otjozondjupa Region, 18 each from the Omaheke and Kavango West regions, and 17 people from the Kavango East Region tested positive for infection with SARS-CoV2.
He added that 44 of the new cases were inoculated with the first shot of the vaccine, while 12 were fully vaccinated.
“Over the past week, we have observed the stabilisation of the number of new infections. We do not foresee an increase in the number of new infections beyond what we have experienced so far. We anticipate a gradual decline in both the number of new infections and deaths,” he said.
Dr. Shangula thanked the public who contributed to this new trend that was observed by the health authority and said that it could only be achieved by complying with public health measures.
“The disruption of the transmission chain through limiting personal interactions and the vaccination campaign is starting to show dividends. The decrease in numbers should serve as incentives and encouragement for us to forge ahead,” he said.
The health minister also announced that 465 people received certification that declared them recovered from COVID-19, which means that the number of active cases remained above 22 000.
“Of the 22 503 active cases, 563 have been hospitalised and 115 are receiving critical care in the various intensive care units of hospitals around the country,” said Dr. Shangula.
While only seven people were inoculated between Friday and Saturday, Dr. Shangula said that the arrival of the 250 000 doses of Sinopharm in Namibia has seen the urgent resumption of the national vaccination campaign on Monday.
“I visited four of the vaccination sites around Windhoek and at all the sites there are long queues of people waiting patiently to be vaccinated. I was impressed by the professionalism of the health workers and the calmness and patience of the clients,” he said.
Dr. Shangula said that the health ministry aims to have 750 520 people vaccinated by the end of September 2021 and added that the number of vaccination points across the country will be increased in order to reduce the time people have to wait for the vaccination.
