Mbabane: Minister of Health Lizzie Nkosi on Saturday announced 17 new COVID-19 fatalities and 204 new confirmed cases in Eswatini.
The number of new deaths is the highest number of deaths so far to be recorded in a single day since the outbreak of the pandemic in the country. This increased the number deaths to 360.
The total number of confirmed cases in the country has also increased to 12 736.
The Hhohho region has recorded the highest number of cases in 5 413, followed by Manzini region with 5 144. Lubombo region and Shiselweni regions have recorded 1 198 and 981 respectively.
The number of people who have recuperated from the virus now stands at 8 076 and this makes the number of active cases to stand at 4 096.
The Minister reminded all EmaSwati to stay strong and fight COVID-19 by strictly adhering to all precautionary measures:
1. Wear a mask consistently and correctly. This protects others from getting infected, which eventually protects you as an individual.
2. Wash your hands with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to clean your hands. Keeping the hands clean is essential because hands carrying the coronavirus easily transmit the virus into the body when you touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
3. Watch your distance by making sure that you keep at least 1 metre away from another person. The greater the distance, the less the chances of getting infected by an infectious person.
4. Avoid the “Three Cs”:
a. Closed spaces with poor ventilation,
b. Crowded places with many people near each other and
c. Close-contact settings such as close-range conversations.
A combination of these 3 Cs, results in a high transmission of the virus.
5. Opt for the outdoors, this is always better than indoors. Should there be a need to hold a function, it should be in line with COVID-19 regulations.
Those with symptoms such as fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention immediately at their nearest health facility.
Isolation of those confirmed with COVID-19 infection is key to stopping further transmission of the virus. Stay home and self-isolate once you have been swabbed, especially if you have symptoms of flu such as cough, headache, mild fever, until you recover.
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