Republican President Edgar Lungu has confirmed in his address to the nation that Zambia has of today March 25, 2020 recorded 12 cases of COVID – 19 from individuals travelled outside Zambia to countries with confirmed cases of COVID-19.
The President has in this vein suspended all international flights from Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula in Southern province, Mfuwe in Eastern province and Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe international airport on the Copperbelt, stating that all flights coming into the country should now land and depart only from Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka to ensure efficient and effective screening of travelers.
The head of state has also directed Finance Minister Dr. Bwalya N’gandu to mobilise resources to enable both the public and private sectors and other stakeholders contain and combat the spread of COVID-19 in a coordinated manner.
Among other measures taken to prevent the impact of COVID – 19, include the closure of Bars, Night Clubs, Gyms, Cinemas and Casinos across the country effective March 26, 2020. He said social businesses dealing with goods and services will be kept running while restaurants will operate on a take away and delivery basis.
The country’s economy is threatened with the current crisis of COVID-19 hence at risk of closing its boarders if all its neighboring countries close their boarders.
The President has further warned the general public against unnecessary movements within the country as the current lifestyle of not avoiding social distance has high risks of spreading the virus to others quicker that it could be noticed.
He said all public gatherings, which include, funerals, weeding’s, conferences and festivals should be restricted to at least 50 people subject to them complying with public health authority guidelines.
Lungu has since pledged governments commitment to continue taking in place pro-active measures towards the fight against Coronavirus which become a global crisis. He has called on all Zambian to work together to fight this global pandemic
