The acting health director for Oshana, Asser Shipanga, has expressed concern about a huge backlog in the processing of tests for Covid-19 in the region.

The number of Covid-19 cases reported daily in the region does not depict the number of persons tested daily in Oshana, as some allegedly emanate from the backlog currently being experienced countrywide.
This essentially means people can’t get their tests in a timely way and effective contact tracing cannot be done.
At present, 596 results are still pending.

The cumulative confirmed cases in the region by yesterday afternoon stood at 1 395, including 100 healthcare workers.
Equally, the Oshakati Intermediate Hospital had an admission of 20 patients, of which 11 have tested positive for Covid-19, while the remaining 11 were suspected cases.

Oshana recorded the second-highest cases nationally on 2 January 2020 and fourth highest on 3 January 2020.
“Some of those results reported daily are not from the previous date; some are from the backlog,” said Shipanga.
At present, swabbing of Covid-19 is being done at three health facilities as well as by the outreach team.
Shipanga said the backlog is negatively affecting the region, as some people waiting for samples can continue to move around and likely pass on the infection.

According to Shipanga, some of the results could mean that at the time of the announcement of the results, an individual could already have a 10-day mark of discharge if the individual does not display any Covid-related symptoms.
Despite the backlog, Shipanga appealed to the nation to continue exercising the measures as stipulated in the regulations, in order to curb the further spread of the virus.

So far, most of the cases being detected are from individuals who have been in contact with a positive person, such as from social gatherings.
“Our appeal is that even if you develop flu-like symptoms, get treated early, as it betters your chance of recovery,” appealed Shipanga.
He said a free Covid-19 is possible if every resident continues to wear their mask properly, wash and sanitise their hands, as well as maintain the social distance of 1.5 meters.
- nashipala@nepc.com.na