More than 400 repatriated Malawians, including a handful of Covid-19 patients, on Wednesday fled quarantine and isolation sites in the city of Blantyre, a local health official said.

The 441 Malawians were bused back from South Africa on Monday, where they were left stranded after the country closed its borders in March to limit the spread of coronavirus.

"They have all gone home on their own," district health officer Gift Kawaladzira told AFP.

Kawaladzira said his team had mobilised other district offices to track down the escapees.

Malawi has recorded just 101 coronavirus cases so far, including four deaths.