KIA seizes medical masks exported to China
Kamuzu International Airport police has seized 2,259 masks from a Chinese national who attempted to export them to China.
According to public relations officer for Airport police sub inspector Lee Chitonde Liu Rishan 38 was intercepted on Tuesday while on his way back home on Ethiopian Airways after a visit to his relative in Lilongwe.
“Upon his arrival at KIA’s main entrance door the X-ray machine observed some strange items. Physical search exposed the medical masks mixed up with some biscuits and chocolates,” Lee says
He was asked to produce supporting documents following the order by government which temporarily restricted exportation of medical products due to outbreak of the deadly Coronavirus in China
Rishan failed to produce the documents leading to the seizure of the masks.
“However Rishan told the police that he wanted to export the masks to help his family back in China from contracting the disease,” adds Lee
In his remarks director of Airport securities Tiyese Chiumbuzo has warned those buying the masks or any Coronavirus related products with an aim of smuggling them out to stop.
He has reminded all security agents manning Airports and land borders to be vigilant and enhance searching of passengers.
Meanwhile, one of the lecturers at Collage of Medicine Professor Adamson Muula has advised Malawians to change their life style as preventive measure towards corona virus outbreak.
Prof Muula made the appeal during a lecture at Chancellor Collage in Zomba on Global and public health aspects of COVID-19.
He cited promotion of hygiene practices, avoiding handshakes and body hugging as some of the measures.
“Although the country has put in place a number of measures to prepare for the outbreak, awareness messages need to be prioritized,” Prof Muula says
He however said, the country has not reached a point where it should restrict public gatherings saying the decisions are made after serious assessment in the affected countries.
Finally, Muula said the decision by government of not putting a quarantine facility is necessary as of now since the country is yet to register a case.
