Staff Writer
Namibia has recorded its first COVID-19 related death after a 45-year old male died on Wednesday the 8 July, three days after presenting himself at the Walvis Bay State Hospital.
This comes as it emerged the deceased was only tested for the virus after he died. He had complained of dizziness, difficulty in breathing and a cough three days after he was previously seen at a health care facility.
“On the 6th July 2020, the patient’s condition deteriorated. The patient complained of respiratory ailment. He showed signs of severe renal failure and sepsis. On the 8th July 2020 the patient’s condition worsened. The patient became restless and hyperventilating and died on the same day. On the 10th July 2020, the results indicated that the patient was Covid-19 positive. He therefore died as a result of COVID-19,” said the Health Minister Kalumbi Shangula.
The Minister stated that the deceased was being treated for schizophrenia. “Respiratory examination revealed bilateral lower and middle zone crepitations. The patient was admitted with a diagnosis of Pneumonia to rule out COVID-19 and was admitted to the Transition ward and received treatment and further investigations.”
Namibia has now recorded 667 total cases and 642 being active cases, with Walvis Bay emerging as the epicenter of the virus in the country.
The development has caused Popular Democratic Movement and official leader of the opposition, leader McHenry Venaani to raise concerns about existing vessel arrangements at Walvis Bay.
“Foreign nationals are entering Namibian shores and jumping on ships with Namibian crew on board without being quarantined,” he said.
Walvis Bay Constituency Councilor Knowledge Iipinge stated that “foreign nationals are allowed to fly in and go straight to vessels where Namibians are without being quarantined for 14 days.”
The announcement of death of a Namibian citizen makes Seychelles the last SADC country to not have reported a pandemic-related fatality.
