Africa-Press – Namibia. IN a heartfelt message during his last Covid-19 status update for 2021, the ever-diligent Minister of Health and Services, Dr Kalumbi Shangula, thanked the country for its support and co-operation under the leadership of President Hage Geingob in facing the challenges brought on by the pandemic.
“The enhanced collaboration between the public and private sectors, as well as non-governmental organisations demonstrated that Namibians can come together to face common challenges.
“The print and electronic media played a decisive role in debunking the fake news in respect of Covid-19 and Covid-19 vaccines. The Namibians can tap on this resource in confronting future challenges,” the Minister said.
“As we bid goodbye to the year 2021 and welcome the New Year 2022, the Ministry of Health and Social Services thanks individuals, families, communities, organisations and institutions for the support and cooperation it received during the course of the year.”
Dr Shangula said 2021 was the most challenging year due to the effect and impact of the pandemic during which many precious Namibian lives were lost and the economy battered.
“The leadership provided by His Excellency the President and the support of Cabinet has been a critical element in the response efforts and which is highly appreciated,” the Minister said.
In the last reporting cycle, 505 new positive cases from 2 309 were reported, which represents a 21.9% positivity ratio. The ages range from two days to 101 years.
Ten deaths from seven districts were reported. Three deaths occurred on 24 December, six occurred between 26 and 28 December and one occurred on 29 December. None of the deceased were vaccinated.
All 14 regions reported new Covid-19 cases, with the ||Kharas region recording the highest, namely 105, making up 20.7%, followed by Khomas with 83, constituting 16.4%. Among the confirmed cases are 45 learners, eight teachers, eight students and 21 healthcare workers from different institutions. Nine cases have received one dose of the vaccine, 76 cases are fully vaccinated, two received a booster dose and 12 vaccinated cases did not specify the number of doses received. Of the new cases 406, accounting for 80.3%, are unvaccinated.
The number of active cases is 14 903. Hospitalized cases are at 312 across all regions, of which 25 are in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). Eight of the hospitalized cases have received one dose of the vaccine while 32 are fully vaccinated. Three cases in ICU are fully vaccinated. The remainder are not vaccinated.
So far, 343 347 people have completed the vaccination, translating to 22.8% of the target population. “We wish the Namibian people a Prosperous and a rewarding New Year 2022,” Dr Shangula said, and once again urged citizens to adhere to health regulations.
“Let us vaccinate, mask up, sanitise and maintain a safe physical distance in order to break the transmission chain of Covid-19 and return Namibia to the normal life we used to know.
“This will give the healthcare workers and frontline workers a breathing space in order to spend quality time with their loved ones – such luxury they never knew since the beginning of the pandemic.
“Happy New Year, Namibia!”
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