Two ministers serving in the cabinet of the Malawian government have died after reportedly contracting the coronavirus, government authorities have announced.
The affected ministers are that of Transport and Public Works, Sidik Mia; and his Minister for Local Government colleague, Lingson Berekanyama. The duo died on Tuesday morning after contracting the deadly virus the previous week.
Covid-19 has taken a toll in the country where at least 50 persons have died as a result of it since the beginning of 2021 with the highest number of deaths recorded on 9th January (12 deaths) and 11th January (10 deaths) respectively.
On Monday, Malawi recorded 452 new COVID-19 cases; the highest since the first cases were recorded in April, 2020.
According to Monday’s figures, the coronavirus death toll in Malawi was at 235 with 2,744 active cases.
Most of the cases are imported as the country continues to receive hundreds of returnees from South Africa; one of the COVID-19 risk countries in Africa.
However, the country is considering the option of closing schools to minimize the spread of the virus.
(NAN)
