Health Ministry Calls For Strict Adherence To Health Guidelines

The Ministry of Health has called for stricter enforcement of and adherence to Covid-19 public health guidelines, including border management systems.

Speaking at a cross-border meeting in Chirundu District, ministry of health chief environmental officer Doreen Sakala expressed concern over Zambians’ inconsistent adherence to public health measures. 

In particular she observed that some bar owners had started operating during the week, despite President Lungu’s directive specifically allowing bars to only open on the weekend and under strict guidelines.

She added that overcrowding in public places has continued to worsen, which may increase the number of cases of Covid-19 in Zambia. 

Ms Sakala said the ministry of health had already noted a surge in the number of brought in dead at health facilities in Chirundu District. 

She therefore met with officials from the district, with the support of the International Organisation for Migration, to discuss how Covid-19 regulations could be upheld at points of entry while still allowing human migration and trade. 

The number of coronavirus cases in Zambia currently stands at 14,175, with 331 deaths.