Expert allays Covid-19 second wave fears

A public health expert has allayed fears that the increase in numbers of new Covid-19 cases in the country signifies a second wave that other countries are experiencing.

In a written response, epidemiologist Dr Titus Divala said currently there is no Covid-19 second wave in Malawi, pointing out that the increase in positive cases could be a result of normal fluctuations.

He said: “The case numbers were high in July and August and have remained low since September. The small random rises we see now could just be part of normal and expected fluctuations.

“The African continent as a whole is experiencing a second wave but that has so far been driven by countries that implemented very strict controls for the first wave such as Kenya and South Africa.”

In an interview on Wednesday last week, Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 co-chairperson Dr John Phuka, said the increase in new cases could be a result of factors such as a change in weather, increase in the number of positive cases in neigbouring countries Malawians often engage with, travelling of  people during the festive season and relaxation byboth individuals and institutions in adhering to Covid-19 precautionary measures.

Ministry of Health statistics show that positive cases have been increasing since Sunday last week when three cases were reported, four on Monday, 10 on Tuesday, 11 on Wednesday, 47 on Thursday and 10 on Friday.

However, the number of positive cases dropped on Saturday when five cases were reported.

While Divala pointed out that a second wave in Malawi is still a possibility, he said it is unlikely that it is already here now.

He said as a country, there is need to remain vigilant by continuing with observation of the three Ws, thus watching one’s distance, wearing a face covering and washing hands.

“This is the best insurance for our continued freedom from the virus,” added Divala.

Following a drop in the number of new cases from August, most people have relaxed on wearing face masks while some institutions have also relaxed on encouraging people to wash hands before entering their premises.

However, other institutions like banks and both public and private hospitals have been very strict on enforcing the Covid-19 precautionary measures.

But Phuka last week said it is important that both individuals and institutions should not relax on the precautionary measures as the pandemic is not over.

A statement from the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 signed by Phuka yesterday said the rising number of active cases during the festive season calls for strict implementation of Covid-19 preventive measures.

Reads the statement in part: “We are watching the status of Covid-19 closely and should things go out of hand, we will bring back stricter preventive measures, including reduced number per gathering.”

A published African Union (AU) Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ACDCP) rapid alert on responding to the second wave of Covid-19 in Africa, says there is need for member states to re-strategise as the second wave of the pandemic escalates.

According to international media reports, globally the Covid-19 death toll has passed 1.63 million with the number of confirmed cases at over 73.6 million.