control experts to the region at the beginning of August 2021 to assess and ascertain factors
contributing to higher deaths in the region. The findings from this visit were presented this
week to the technical team and confirmed anecdotal reports of delayed health seeking
behaviours, wide use of unauthorized medications notably the animal medicine ivermectin,
use of non validated testing kits and use of home remedies for self-treatment as some of
the factors related to the high case fatality ratio in the Region. It was observed that patients
were likely to turn up late at hospital for appropriate supportive treatment leading to poor
prognosis and home deaths. The Ministry is devising strategies to address the situation in
Omaheke.
5. Admissions to health facilities due to COVID-19 have significantly reduced in the last 2
weeks. A total of 307 admissions to isolation units were reported on 10th August as
compared to 597 admissions in mid-July 2021. Similarly, a decline in the number of daily
ICUs admission was observed with 39 admissions for 10 August compared to 113
admissions during the last week of July 2021 on a seven-days moving average. Thus, both
the metrices tracking isolation and ICUs admission curves show a downward trend.
6. In terms of actual bed occupancy, 10 out of 14 regions are reporting an improvement in
general isolation bed occupancy of between 11% and 60% consistently, since the beginning
of the current dispensation. Hardap region reported a bed occupancy below 10%, while
Kunene, Oshana and Otjozondjupa reported an occupancy of between 61% and 100%.
7. The demand for high care in Khomas, Erongo and Omaheke continues, and stand at
between 61% and100%, while in the Regions of Oshana, Oshikoto, Omusati the figures
stand at a low of 11% and a high of 60%. ICUs bed occupancy remains high in Oshana
and Khomas. None of the Regions has reached 100% of its ICU bed capacity to date.
8. Additional admission capacity that has been added to existing infrastructure has
significantly expanded our ability to admit those who need care. The fully furnished tented
COVID-19 ward with the capacity of 70 beds which was erected in Windhoek with the
support of the private sector as well as the newly renovated former NIP Building at
Katutura Hospital with the capacity of 46, have been completed and are ready for use. As
at 12 August 2021, there were no patients admitted in these facilities. Activities to establish
and expand further capacity are on-going across the country including a 98-bed Covid-19
facility at Katutura State Hospital.
9. The National Health Emergency Management Committee reviewed the current COVID-
19 Public Health Regulations issued in terms of the Public and Environmental Health Act,
2015, which will expire at midnight 14 August 2021. As stated by His Excellency, the
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