Staff Reporter
ALBEIT the slowdown in infections on the back of the Omicron variant, the Namibian health ministry is still reporting Covid-19 deaths almost daily, most of which are back-dated and not reported on time.
According to the latest report, a total of 15 Namibians succumbed to Covid-19 of which a majority died at home.
The ministry also announced 104 new positive cases.
“We have made significant strides in efforts to unnerve the fourth wave as evidenced by the consistent decline in the number of cases albeit the number of deaths remains disquieting. The public is cautioned that the decline in the number of confirmed cases does not necessarily mean we are off the hook as yet. This should, however, motivate us to adhere to set public health measures, anticipating to conquer this invisible enemy,” the health minister, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, said.
According to the health update for 27 January, the Ministry of Health and Social Services announced that two deaths occurred between 7 and 8 January, 11 deaths occurred between 20 and 25 January, and two occurred on 26 January.
Eight deaths occurred at home, with four from the Oshikuku district, two each from the Opuwo and Engela districts and one from the Gobabis district. None of the deceased cases were vaccinated.
Dr Shangula said the country’s vaccination coverage remains dire at 20.1% fully vaccinated, although vaccine intervention remains the prominent prevention measure among other measures that avert severe infections and death.
“A big proportion of people advancing to severe conditions and those dying are unvaccinated, especially older persons. Let’s protect this vulnerable population by having them vaccinated. It is a matter of grave concern that more than half of the deaths reported today occurred at home. In addition, none of them is vaccinated against the disease that has caused death. Let us all accept the reality of today, namely, seeking early treatment when feeling unwell and getting vaccinated as we have the tools to prevent these deaths,” Dr Shangula said.
File photo for illustrative purposes only.
