LUSAKA, Zambia – Zambia’s 79-year-old vice president Inonge Mutukwa on Wednesday tested positive for the coronavirus, the presidency said in a statement, which also said her condition was stable and she was in self isolation at home.
“The vice president has some mild symptoms that are being managed appropriately … She is in high spirits and working virtually …” the statement said.
In May, Zambia announced that the health minister Chitalu Chilufya had tested positive for the virus, but he has since recovered.
In July, fifteen Zambian lawmakers tested positive for Covid-19.
Lawmakers were tested after two MPs died from the virus which led to a suspension of the assembly.
A total of 9,981 cases have been confirmed and 264 deaths recorded, according to health officials.
Since originating in China last December, Covid-19 has claimed more than 783,000 lives in 188 countries and regions.
More than 22.2 million cases have been reported worldwide, while over 14.2 million patients have recovered.
