Written by Angella Semu

Government of Malawi has suspended all gatherings as a measure for the prevention, containment and management of the COVID-19 pandemic with immediate effect.

This has been revealed in a press statement issued on Friday 10th July 2020 signed by Dr John Phuka, the Co-Chairperson of covid-19 Presidential Taskforce.

Phuka said government has noted escalation of infections and deaths due to Covid-19 hence it has come up with new strict measures to contain the spread of the virus throughout the country.

Government has impose suspension or regulation of mobile markets, banned street vending in all trading centers, massive clean-up campaign every week and fumigation of the markets.

All drinking and entertainment places have been suspended with bottle stores, pubs, bars and clubs to be opened from 14:00hrs to 19:00hrs for the purpose of buying only. Weddings, engagement ceremonies, bridal showers, send offs and all gatherings
of public and social nature have also been suspended together with all live games and band shows and traditional dances within the Councils.

Government has however said religious gatherings shall continue on open ground with usage of masks for everyone attending prayers services and sanitization of rooms, surfaces and equipments. Funeral ceremonies shall be conducted in observation of COVID-19 sanitary and
health measures and public transport shall observe the sitting capacity in public service vehicles as advised by the Department of Road Traffic and Safety Services.

In the statement, Phuka also disclosed that all meetings and workshops have been suspended except for COVID-19 related measures and other meetings shall seek approval from the District Commissioner or Chief Executive Officers.

Currently, Malawi has 2069 confirmed cases and 31 recorded deaths. In the past 24 hours, Malawi registered 83 new COVID-19 cases, six new recoveries, and two new deaths; one from Blantyre and the other is from Nkhata
Bay.