The directorate of health in Oshikoto has revealed 91% of Covid-19 patients in the region, have recovered amid a surge in new infections.
The number of new cases was relatively low towards the end of 2020 but there was a spike again with an all high of 157 in the first week of January, said health director Joshua Nghipangelwa.

The increase was attributed to the movement of people as a result of the festive season.
Nghipangelwa said the region recorded about 1 025 cases since the first case was reported in July last year. 
Of that number, 925, which translate to 90% of the cases, are from Oshikoto region while 100 (10%) were referred to other regions.

“The highest affected district is Onandjokwe with 525 cases, with an 11% attack rate, followed by Tsumeb district with 299 at 16% which is the highest attack rate and lastly, Omuthiya with the least cases of about 200 at a 10% attack rate,” said Nghipangelwa. 
“The region has 87 cases which is a mere 8% of active cases and a recovery of 931 which is 91%. In the same vein, 58 healthcare workers were affected. In terms of deaths, we recorded six Covid-19 deaths and one Covid-related death.”

Furthermore, he revealed that the 194 cases that were reported at Nehale Secondary School have all recovered, as well as the 73 inmates from Omuthiya police holding cells.
“I, therefore, implore the public to have masks on all the time and avoid social gatherings as they are the main source of transmission. Furthermore, no one should be allowed to enter shops or any other places without exercising all these precautionary measures,” he said.
– osimasiku@nepc.com.na