The Government of Zambia has assured us that Zambia is safe from the novel Coronavirus which has affected over 800 people and claimed lives after an outbreak in China. The Minister of Health, Dr. Chitalu Chilufya says the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified Zambia as a low-risk country.
Dr. Chilufya has however stated that the government has heightened surveillance of the virus at entry points across the country, particularly airports.
Dr. Chilufya has however stated that the government has heightened surveillance of the virus at entry points across the country, particularly airports.
He says the Ministry of Health is working collaboratively with the United States and Chinese Centres for Disease Control and the WHO for constant updates as the situation unfolds. He assures that among the measures employed are the use of thermal scanners for temperature monitoring on all arrival passengers. Addressing the media on Friday 24 January 2020, Dr. Chilufya said the National Public Health Emergency Operations Center under the Zambia National Public Health Institute has been put on high alert. He has since appealed to medical staff and Zambians to observe high hygiene standards with hand sanitizers and those experiencing difficulties in breathing, pneumonia or respiratory problems especially with a history of recent foreign travels to seek medical guidance. Dr. Chilufya said the government under President Edgar Lungu is committed to addressing such challenges hence the measures tuning alongside surveillance for Ebola (https://www.znbc.co.zm/news/chitalu-chilufyazambia-is-free-from-coronavirus/)
CDC has recommended the following everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of the virus, including:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
The US Embassy in Zambia has shared the following links for further reading on Coronavirus:
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