The Asian Business Community’s COVID-19 task force called on all businesses and community members to take on a partial community lockdown for 14 days.
The tough call has been made as an effort to mitigate the financial loss to the value chain of businesses and the
national economy, amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
A statement signed by the Asian Business Community Chairman, Faizal Aboo has outlined that the partial community is from effective Thursday 9th April, ending on 23th April 2020. According to the statement, the following measures are to be applied during the lockdown, as non-compliance will result to a K500,000 fine;
- Everyone over the age of 53 years must stay within the confines of their home.
- ALL domestic staff over the age of 53 to be given a paid 14 days leave
- All those with existing underlying health conditions to stay within the confines of their
home.
- Womenfolk (if not main breadwinners) and children are to remain within the confines
of their home. (except in the case of emergencies).
- ONLY the bread winner of the family may leave the house to go to work between 6am
till 7pm.
- Non- breadwinners may only go out to get medical supplies, food/ essential
household items.
- Restaurants must operate on a delivery or take out basis ONLY.
- No one should leave their home after 8pm till 6am unless in an emergency.
- Based on clear Government of Malawi directives all places of social gatherings (clubs,
bars, shisha lounges) must be closed and restaurants will only offer take away services
till 8pm.
- All non-essential travel, such as travel to Mangochi, Lilongwe or recreational areas for
the Easter weekend should be cancelled.
- At respective business work place all necessary precautionary measures such as social
distancing, hand washing, wearing of masks and gloves etc must be strictly adhered
to.