LUSAKA, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Zambia reported 233 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, bringing the total confirmed tally to 6,580, as the health ministry urged people to abide by preventive measures to stem the spread of the pandemic.
Minister of Health Chitalu Chilufya blamed the rapid surge in infections on large crowds and people's failure to stick to social distancing.
Adherence to preventive measures is not negotiable and there will be enhanced enforcement, he told a briefing on COVID-19.
"Huge gatherings are key areas of COVID-19 transmission in Zambia," Chilufya said. "It is important for people to stay at home for protection."
The country also recorded 208 recoveries in the previous 24 hours, bringing total recoveries to 4,701.
There are 1,708 active cases of COVID-19 in Zambia; 39 of them are on oxygen support, six of whom in intensive care units.
Zambia has conducted 87,380 tests since it reported the first cases in March. Enditem
