I write to provide updates on covid-19 situation for the past 24 hours following the press release which was issued on Saturday, 9th January, 2021. You will recall that in the mentioned press release, we announced that there was a confirmed COVID-19 case. The student is still in isolation and responding well to treatment. The situation is being monitored closely by the College COVID-19 Taskforce and the District Health Office.

Management would like to inform the college community that Mr. Umali Leonard, who is a member of staff in the CIT Department, tested positive to COVID-19 during the past 24 hours. Immediately, measures were put in place to isolate the concerned staff member.  Several members of staff have been advised to proceed on self-isolation because they were in contact with Mr. Leonard Umali. 

It is also important to note that currently Mr. Leonard Umali is responding well to treatment and we hope that he will be to work within the next 14 days, after being certified fit by the relevant authorities on this matter. Several staff members from the ICT Department have also been asked to proceed on self-isolation and also visit the testing facilities within Blantyre DHO as well, 

As members will recall, the College set up a College COVID-19 Taskforce whose primarily objective was to provide technical guidance on how to deal with the pandemic. May I appeal to the entire College community to make good use of this Taskforce by ensuring that we provide information on suspected COVID-19 cases or we seek guidance on what we should do in case we have symptoms of COVID-19. We can also access vital information we may need for our safety from the Taskforce. 

Management has put in place a number of measures to reduce the spread of the pandemic which include and not limited to:

1. Migrating of all its teaching programs to ERT 
2. Intensifying screening of those accessing the College  
3. Enforcing wearing of face masks
4. Regular handwashing and sanitizing
5. Maintaining social distancing in gatherings of any kind
6. Contact tracing for COVID-19 positive cases
7. Requesting isolation of all those who have been in with positive with positive cases. 
8. Regular disinfection of college premises 
9. Reducing face to face contacts with our clients
10. Decongesting the College through working in shifts with immediate effect.
11. Encouraging voluntary testing

Finally let me remind all members of staff and students that contact numbers for the college COVID-19 Taskforce are as follows: 

1.Dr Christabel Kambala - 0995 422 177  (Chairperson) ckambala@poly.ac.mw

2.Mr. Khongonyowa - 0888 309 258 Vice Chairperson

These can be contacted at any time when you need assistance.  If at any time you develop symptoms of COVID-19 (such as cough, shortness of breath, chills, fever, muscle pain, headache, sore throat or loss of taste and smell), promptly inform health authorities by calling the following toll-free numbers: 54747 (Airtel) or 929 (TNM). You can also contact Blantyre District Health Offices rapid response team on the following numbers: 0999 520 319/ 0888 871 007 / 0881 352 445 / 0882 002 533/ 0888 867 528.

We encourage all those needing testing for COVID-19 to access services currently offered at Kameza Isolation Center and Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre.

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Ellus G.A. Chizimba
Registrar