01 Jan 2021

On the last days of 2020, Ngami District Health Management Team (DHMT) registered 76 new positive cases of COVID 19.

Ngami DHMT acting coordinator, Dr Sandra Maripe, confirmed in an interview that since Christmas Eve, the district experienced a surge in COVID – 19 cases. Dr Maripe attributed the sudden increase to zonal interactions, which was exacerbated by the festive season.  

Dr Maripe said the district had now recorded 137 positive cases of COVID – 19 of which 86 were still active, with 50 recoveries and one death. 

She said 238 contacts were identified in relation to the 76 new positive cases. “The 76 COVID – 19 positive patients were on home quarantine and in a stable condition while contact tracing was ongoing,” said Dr Maripe. 

Despite efforts made in containing the pandemic, Dr Maripe decried lack of cooperation by some home quarantined suspects, who violated the self-isolation regulations. 

In an effort to rectify the challenge, Dr Maripe said the suspects were made to sign home quarantine self-declaration form which outlined the dos and don’ts.

In addition, Dr Maripe pointed out that they had been working jointly with police officers to charge those violating the protocols as per the Public Health Act.

Despite the limited resources, she said health officials were doing random visitations to ensure compliance.

She appealed to the community to take responsibility of their health. "During patrols with law enforcement officers, we have observed that some people were engaged in illegal gatherings while some were not wearing masks and practicing social distancing," said Dr Marie. Ends