Following the rapid increase of Covid-19 cases in Malawi and the urgent and pressing need to contain this at an early stage, the Asian business community Task Force on Covid-19, has declared partial community lockdown in Malawi for 14 days to 23rd April, 2020.
In a letter dated 9th April, 2020 to the Asian community of Blantyre, Zomba and Limbe, the Task Force is asking everyone over the age of 53 to stay within the confines of their home.
The Task force on Covid-19 says all domestic staff over the age of 53 must be given a paid 14 days leave.
It says restaurants must operate on a delivery or take out basis, warning any member found violating this partial community lockdown without any valid reason, that strict actions will be taken for a penalty of MK500,000.
Meanwhile, the special cabinet committee on Covid-19, has hailed the Asian business community task force for complementing government efforts in the fight against Covid-19 pandemic.
Briefing members of press on Thursday, the cabinet committee chairperson, Hon. Jappie Mhango MP, who is Minister of Health, said government will continue intensifying all efforts aimed at combating the spread of the virus in Malawi.
And in a related news development, the British High Commission in Lilongwe has announced that their colleagues at the US Embassy are looking into arranging a possible repatriation flight for US citizens and have offered them seats for British citizens if there is available space.
The announcement says the aircraft will stop to refuel in Dublin, Ireland before heading to Washington DC saying this is the only outgoing flight from Malawi through Kamuzu International Airport that is currently been proposed.
