Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Zambia has detected the first case of BA.4 omicron variant and another one of BA.5 variant four weeks ago.
Health Minister Sylvia Masebo says both the concerned individuals are from Chongwe District in Lusaka Province.
Ms. Masebo says while the increase in positivity is small and the number of persons being admitted due to covid-19 is low, there is need for the country to ensure zero disease and deaths dues to covid-19 and indeed other preventable diseases.
Speaking at a media briefing, Ms. Masebo says covid-19 vaccines remain a sure and effective way of preventing and controlling the pandemic hence protecting people from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, and even dying.
The minister says government remains encouraged that it reaches the 70% coverage in these provinces and selected districts in the other five provinces.
She says the ministry of health has been conducting an analysis of the districts having the highest proportions of untapped unvaccinated eligible population and these include Lusaka, Kitwe, Ndola, Petauke and Monze.
And Ms. Masebo says in the last 24 hours the country recorded 139 new cases out of 2,572 tests performed, representing a 5% positivity rate.