New Case of Covid-19 Confirmed in Blantyre

A new case of the novel Coronavirus has been confirmed in Mulanje bringing the total to 57.

This is according to Global Health Specialist Dr. Andrew Likaka.

A 27 year old man from Mulanje who returned from South Africa on April 27 2020 has tested positive for Covid-19.

Minister of Health Jappie Mhango says the case was confirmed at College of Medicine in Blantyre.

Likaka is making a presentation on Covid-19 reporting for broadcasters organized by Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA).

According to Dr. Likaka, studies have found that transmission of Covid-19 can occur within 6 metres.

The ministry of health is therefore advising a physical distance of at least 4 meters.

Likaka explains that Lilongwe has more cases than reported because people are not willing to get tested.

“Alot of people in the city are not willing to be tested,” clarified Likaka, pointing out that Malawi’s caseload might swell to 1.5 million.

“Out of these, up to 50 thousand people might die, with about 30 thousand requiring critical medical care.”

Currently, only 17 cases are imported and the rest are from local transmission.

Projections from the ministry indicate that more cases are expected to be registered from June.

If nothing is done, at least 1.5 million people will contract coronavirus with 30,000 people needing critical care.