Zambia Confirms COVID-19 Cases

Government has confirmed the first two cases of the coronavirus COVID-19 in Zambia.

According to a post on President Lungu’s Facebook page the couple have been isolated and are being treated in Chilanga.

Speaking on the development Minister of Health Chitalu Chilufya addressed media on Thursday stating, “I regret to inform the nation that Zambia has confirmed its first two cases of COVID19. The patients are a Zambian couple of Lusaka; a 37-year-old woman and a 39-year-old man who returned to Lusaka from a 10-day holiday in France aboard an Emirates flight on 15th March 2020. The patients were screened at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and placed under home quarantine as they did not display symptoms at the time of arrival.”.

“On follow-up, the following day, the man reported feeling unwell and health officials collected samples from the couple for laboratory testing to rule out COVID-19. The couple was placed in isolation while investigations were being conducted,” he continued.

Both patients were reported to be stable. Following their diagnosis President Lungu has advised the public not to panic but to report any suspected cases or symptoms to the nearest health facility.

Dr Chilufya also cautioned the public against false rumours and fake news in relation to the outbreak.