by Okeri Ngutjinazo
THE Ministry of Health and Social Services says the man who died at Mariental State Hospital on Friday did not succumb to Covid-19.
The Namibian
reported online on Saturday that the man, who was employed by Namibia
Wildlife Resort, and was based at its Hardap resort near Mariental, had
sought treatment at the local hospital after experiencing flu-like
symptoms and breathing difficulties.
According to sources, the man collapsed and died shortly after being taken to an isolation unit following a medical check-up.
Speaking
at the Covid-19 communication centre in Windhoek yesterday, deputy
health minister Esther Muinjangue said on 12 May the patient visited a
private doctor at Mariental after experiencing chest pains, shortness of
breath and a productive cough.
She said the patient was
diagnosed with pneumonia on the same day. Samples were taken from the
patient to be tested for Covid-19, and he was kept in an isolation room
while receiving treatment.
“The patient had an underlying
chronic health condition. A swab test for Covid-19 was taken on 13 May
and sent to the Namibia Institute of Pathology in Windhoek for testing,”
she said.
Muinjangue said the initial sample was deemed
non-compliant and a second test was taken again on 14 May. Muinjangue
said the patient’s condition deteriorated and he died on Friday. The
laboratory results came out negative for Covid-19 on Saturday.
“We
extend our sincerest condolences to his family, loved ones and
co-workers. It is always painful when we lose a patient in our care,”
she said.
Muinjangue urged the media to report only authenticated information and not incite panic among the public.
She said the country has no new confirmed cases, with three active cases and 13 recoveries.
The country has tested 2 381 people, and 542 individuals are currently in quarantine.
