The Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 has stressed the need for collective effort to contain COVID-19 by comprehensively following all preventive and containment measures.

Co-Chairperson for the Taskforce, Dr. John Phuka said in a statement that apart from practicing the comprehensive preventive measures, there is need to identify, isolate and bring to care those that are infected by the coronavirus and follow up their contacts for further assessment and care.

“To avoid re-infection with COVID-19, those previously infected should follow all the preventive measures. There is currently no evidence that people who have recovered are strongly protected from a second infection.

“The chances of one recovering from COVID-19 increases when the disease is identified as early as possible hence the need for prompt health seeking behaviour” said Phuka.

He, therefore, encouraged Malawians to promptly inform health authorities by calling toll-free number 54747 (Airtel) or 929 (TNM) whenever one is experiencing COVID-19 like symptoms such as fever, cough, flu, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell and tiredness.

According to him, this will help them to identify the disease in early stages so that appropriate care can be given immediately.