Health minister, Kalumbi Shangula, announced an increase of 37.9 per cent for COVID-19 cases during the period of 01 to 07 May, when 40 positive cases were recorded.

According to an update issued on Wednesday, the minister said the number of positive COVID-19 cases increased from 28.8 per cent in the week prior to the reported period.

He added that the number of COVID-19 tests increased by 94 per cent compared to the previous week, where only 152 tests were conducted.

The minister said that these cases were recorded from six regions, from which the Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Oshana and Hardap regions had not recorded any cases the previous week.

Shangula added that out of the 40 positive cases, seven received one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, 14 were fully vaccinated, four received booster doses, two were not eligible for the vaccine while 17 cases were not vaccinated.

According to the update, by 07 May 2023, a total of 557 186 people aged 18 and older had received one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, representing 37.8 per cent of the target population of 1 471 973.

Shangula said the World Health Organisation had declared that COVID-19 was no longer a public health emergency of international concern on 05 May 2023.

“We welcome this development. However, it does not mean that COVID-19 has ceased to exist. The situation in Khomas calls for more vigilance,” the minister said.

Source: Namibia Press Agency