New Covid-19 wave imminent
Government and health experts have said the country is at a high risk of getting a second wave of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, warning the health system may not be able to contain it.
The resurgence of cases in some African countries such as South Africa, Kenya and Mozambique is viewed as the potential beginning of a second wave across the continent, making experts fear that Malawi’s health system is not equipped to contain another Covid-19 pressure.
In an interview yesterday, Secretary for Health Charles Mwansambo urged people to diligently observe Covid-19 preventive measures.
He said: “We are not an island so, figures in neighbouring countries are worrying. That is why we have to be vigilant and ensure that measures are followed.”
While Malawi registered just two cases on Saturday, South Africa has registered 4 645 new cases and 104 new deaths; Kenya recorded over 1 500 new cases in November, surpassing those recorded (less than 1 000 cases) during the worst time of the pandemic in the country before a decline in August; Mozambique has recorded 95 cases while Zimbabwe has 70 new cases and 10 new deaths.
Mwansambo stressed that Malawi’s health system cannot contain a second wave.
In his daily Covid-19 update on Saturday, Presidential Task-Force on Covid-19 co-chairperson Dr John Phuka observed that the low numbers of Covid-19 are a result of adherence to preventive measures.
However, he warned that the status quo could be disrupted by a second wave.
Said Phuka: “There is an increased risk of this happening due to a general relaxation in practising of preventive measures; the humid weather and cooler temperatures may support spreading of the virus; and other countries within Africa are experiencing a resurgence of new cases. Therefore, we really need to act carefully and adhere to all preventive measures of Covid-19.”
Infectious disease specialist Dr Titus Divala, last month told The Nation that there are so many unknowns with Covid-19 which is a cause of worry.
He said among the unknowns is whether the second wave will be more deadly than the first, how it will affect the economy and other institutions like schools and if perhaps the widespread infections from the first wave will protect people in the second wave.
Divala said studies are showing that immunity secured after getting infected is decaying rapidly.
Government on March 23 closed schools and introduced restrictions to public gatherings to avoid the spread of the pandemic.
The restrictions were later relaxed and on September 7, schools reopened.
