‘Mask-up or face arrests’- Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 warns

The Presidential Task force on COVID-19 says it has engaged the Ministries of Local Government and Homeland Security in the enforcement of COVID-19 prevention measures.

Addressing the press in Lilongwe, Co – Chairperson of the Taskforce who is also Minister of Health Khumbize Chiponda said the prevention measures were already gazetted and are now ready for enforcement.

“You know these strict measures were already gazetted and what is left is enforcement,” she said.

Chiponda also said all deportees and returnees will be put under quarantine at Mapanga Prison Training School in Blantyre.

“What we are doing now is to sensitize communities around Mapanga so that they know what is happening. We want them to be safe as well,” explained Chiponda

Two buses are on their way to Malawi from South Africa.

The Minister says the COVID-19 treatment centre at Kamuzu Central Hospital now has 80 beds, an increase from the initial 33 beds.

Chiponda has also disclosed that government will recruit additional health workers to strengthen Malawi’s response against the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Kennedy Nkhoma, Secretary for the Ministry of Homeland Security has reaffirmed that law enforcers will unselectively arrest those who will not comply with the set protective measures including the wearing of face masks.

“Those who drink should buy their beer and enjoy it from their homes,” he added.