Ten patients that were in contact with the COVID -19 patient at Lusaka’s Chilenje Level One Hospital have been quarantined in the Ward.
Minister of Health Chitalu Chilufya has confirmed, adding that once found negative they will be discharged but expected to remain on self-quarantine for 14 days.
Dr Chilufya also says all staff that came into contact with the Covid-19 patient have been tested and those found negative are in quarantine at their homes for 14 days.
The Minister also says it is not Government’s policy to close the hospital but to disinfect and quarantine the people, who came into contact with a potentially infected COVID-19 person.
Dr Chilufya says government will ensure that all health personnel are protected during the pandemic by providing sufficient protective personal equipment (PPE’s ) and disinfectants at health facilities.
He also thanked the health personnel for their commitment and patriotism in the fight against COVID-19, saying Government will support them as they are at the battle front.
Dr Chilufya says there is need for further disinfection of the wards once all patients who are in quarantine, are discharged.
The health minister said this when he, with his counterpart at Local Government Charles Banda and Kabwata Member of Parliament Given Lubinda visited the Chilenje Level One Hospital.
The ministers also donated PPE’s to Health personnel at Chilenje.
Meanwhile, Chilenje Level One Hospital has remained open with some services still being provided such as Mother Child Health and Maternity Services.
Chilenje Medical Superintendent Allan Musonda said the hospital, however, has restricted admission of new patients to the wards.
Dr. Musonda said currently the hospital has isolated 10 patients in a ward because they could be potentially infected with Covid-19 as the health facility awaits the results.
He further said one of the medical personnel in the casualty department tested positive to Covid-19.
Meanwhile, Dr. Banda and Mr. Lubinda praised the health workers for the role they are playing in combating the spread of the virus.
