Written by Richard Kayenda
Malawi Government has said it will go ahead with the 21-day national lockdown; from 18 April to 9 May, 2020, as a measure to halt further spread of the Covid 19 disease, despite several stakeholders expressing dismay at the decision.
Speaking yesterday in a national address, Minister of Health and Population, Jappie Mhango, said this is the only way to heal the nation from the deadly pandemic which has already claimed two lives.
“If you move around, chances are that you can spread or contract the virus easily. So, it’s better to stay at home safe. Our health system is not as strong as that of developed countries like America, France, or China, but you have already noted how these countries are struggling with the virus. So, in our case, we are saying the best measure is prevention by staying safe at home. Remember prevention is better than cure,” said the minister.
The minister’s remarks come on the heels of an outcry by some social commentators and activist organisations such as Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC), Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiative (CDEDI) and Citizens For Transformation (CFT) who feel subjecting the nation to a 21-day lockdown is detrimental as the majority of Malawians depend on informal jobs to fend for themselves.
On Thursday, vendors in the northern city of Mzuzu staged demonstrations to protest against the lockdown.
Meanwhile, Malawi Police acting Inspector General Duncan Mwapasa, in collaboration with the Malawi Defence Force (MDF), has warned against violating the national lockdown orders put in place due to the covid-19 pandemic, saying those found defying the order will be dealt with accordingly.
