Health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula yesterday urged the public to be prepared to quarantine at some point, as the country has a high number of new Covid-19 infections being reported countrywide.
The minister made these remarks yesterday while announcing the country has recorded 343 Covid-19 cases, seven deaths and 170 new recoveries.
“One needs to quarantine for at least seven days if one does not develop any symptoms. A Covid-19 test is required before one ends quarantine after the stated seven days. We should all be prepared to quarantine,” said Shangula.
Shangula explained quarantine is when a person has been in close contact with someone who is confirmed to have Covid-19.
He also clarified close contact means being within one to two metres of a confirmed case for more than 15 minutes.
He added that contact does not have to be direct physical contact, for example, by touching or hugging.
“One will then need to wait for the laboratory test results before one’s quarantine can end. If one receives a positive test result, one will be instructed to go into isolation to prevent further spread of the virus and recover,” explained the minister.
In case of a negative result, one may continue to lead a normal daily life while practising control and prevention measures in place.
Shangula said the total number of active cases stands at 3 874 of which 273 are hospitalised, with 32 in intensive care unit.
– ljason@nepc.com.na