BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)—MalawiPresident Arthur Peter Mutharika has apologized to churches in Balaka after a police operation on Sunday in the district, which saw the law enforcers dispersing worshipers as part of efforts to contain the further spread of the coronavirus.

The president’s advisor on religious affairs told media yesterday that Mutharika is sending his apology, adding that at the moment, there is no restriction to stop prayer gatherings in totality.

Malawi Police on Sunday raided several churches across the country where congregants and church officials were defying government-issued orders banning any kind of public gatherings including worshiping in churches and Mosques as a measure to contain the covid-19

According to the police, the operation was conducted on orders from the above.

Congregants welcomed the directive with mixed reactions, with some arguing that they will continue congregating.

Announcing additional measures on 4^th April, 2020, President Peter Mutharika said “all formal meetings, gatherings and conferences are suspended forthwith.”

Malawi has so far recorded 36 cases of covid-19; three recoveries and three deaths.