Three people have succumbed to COVID-19 pandemic in the past 24 hours bringing the total fatalities in the country to 1, 162.

Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda who is also Co-Chairperson of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 announced this on Tuesday evening during daily updates.

According to Chiponda, the country registered 24 new cases with 20 recoveries bringing the total of active cases to 421.

“In the past 24 hours, Malawi has registered 24 new COVID-19 cases, 20 new recoveries and three new deaths. All new cases are locally transmitted: eight from Blantyre, four each from Lilongwe and Mangochi, two from Chiradzulu, and one each from Chikwawa, Karonga, Kasungu, Nkhotakota, Ntcheu, and Zomba Districts.

“Three new deaths were registered in the past 24 hours; two from Blantyre and one from Nkhotakota Districts. To the families that have lost their loved ones during this pandemic, may you find peace, hope and love during this difficult time. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.” Said Chiponda.

Chiponda then urged Malawians to continue adhering to COVID-19 preventive measures to avoid further spread of the various.

“Stopping a pandemic requires using all the tools available. Vaccines work with your immune system so your body will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed while other preventive measures such as masks, hand washing with soap and social distancing, help reduce your chance of being exposed to the virus or spreading it to others. When these are combined, they offer the best protection,” said Chiponda.

Meanwhile the country is running short of AstraZeneca vaccines with Blantyre being the worst hit.