The Asian Business Community (ABC) COVID-19 task force has announced that a partial lockdown will be in effect from the midnight of today (20th July 2020) for one month.
According to a statememnt signed by the task force’s Chariman and Vice Chairman, the above follows after considering the rapid surge in COVID-19 cases within Malawi, as well as an acute shortage of refilling of oxygen in the Country.
To protect the lives of business owners and the community’s members, the task force has applied the following measures to curb the spread of the virus;
Mandatory use of face masks; ALWAYS wear a face mask in public places. All shops, factories, offices and other places of work to enact mandatory face covering for the protection of all employees. A spot fine of mk20,000 will be imposed on ALL members of the community going against this directive.
Social Gatherings Restrictions; Social gatherings exceeding 20 people are not allowed. On the other hand, Weddings and funerals will be allowed with a maximum of 40 people. These gatherings may only proceed with social distancing, mask measures and hand hygiene measures strictly in place. A fine of mk1,000,000 (one million kwachas) will be imposed on ANY PERSON facilitating this gathering in breach of the number regulation.
Residential Confinements; Everyone over the age of 60 years must stay within the confines of their home and only leave home for emergencies. All those with existing underlying health conditions to stay within the confines of their home and only leave home for emergencies. ONLY the breadwinner of the family may leave the house to go to work. Non-breadwinners may only go out to get medical supplies, food/ essential household items.
Curfew Observation; A night curfew shall be placed from 8pm to 6am during which members of the community should not leave their houses unless in the event of an emergency. This has been placed to eliminate social gatherings in the youth
Eatery Restrictions; Restaurants will be requested to operate on a takeaway only basis after 6pm and must close at 9pm latest. They have to observe all distancing and sanitising guidelines. On the other hand, Shisha cafes and gyms are requested to be totally closed due to high risk of Covid-19 from close contact in these settings.