Govt introduces mandatory use of masks

Government has introduced mandatory use of masks in its offices as a way of preventing the spread of corona virus COVID-19.

In a public notice chief secretary to government Zangazanga Chikhosi has requested “all clients to wear masks failure to do so will not be served.”

Chikhosi said,”the masks must cover the nose and mouth completely, not lowered when speaking, coughing or sneezing.”

Meanwhile Ministry of health is running low on COVID-19 test kits stock levels across the country

As such Co-chairperson of presidential taskforce on the pandemic Dr John Phuka says the remaining kits that are available are being used to test only those that have symptoms.

According to Dr Phuka the country had produced a consignment of additional kits long time back but because of shipment challenges the stocks are expected to arrive in two weeks time.

The Ministry advises those who have been in contact with confirmed cases to isolate themselves from the public from 10 to 14 days.

Cumulatively Malawi has registered over 1900 cases of which 25 are deaths and 369 recoveries
Echoing Dr Phuka’s sentiments, Blantyre district health office said the challenge might jeopardize the true reflection of covid-19 cases.

Director of health and social services in Blantyre Dr Gift Kawalazira re-emphasized the need for people to self isolate in order to protect others

However Dr Kawalazira said with local transmission it might be difficult for people to self isolate at home because of limited spaces but urged them to support each other if the battle against the disease is to be won.