Local Government Minister, Dr. Charles Banda has said that after consultation among line Ministries, bars will operate longer hours. He clarified that it has been decided that bars and nightclubs will reduce their operating time by two hours, and not to open for two hours only per day, meaning that bars that would close at midnight are this time expected to close at 22:00 hours.
Earlier, the Ministry of Health said it has not recorded any Coronavirus cases apart from the two which were recorded on Wednesday. Health Minister Dr. Chitalu Chilufya described the situation of those who tested positive as stable.
Meanwhile Dr. Chilufya has indicated that the Ministry has so far screened 29,992 travelers, with 2,258 being persons from high-risk areas.
He said among those from the high risk areas, 460 have been cleared under 14 days quarantine and watch.
“In our routine travel-related disease intelligence, we have screened 29,992 travelers, with 2,258 being persons from high risk areas. Among those from the high risk areas, 460 have been cleared under 14 days quarantine and watch. We continue to investigate alerts as they arise. As of this morning, we do not have any additional cases of COVID-19.” he indicated
The Minister has also stated that the government has restricted mass public gatherings including events conferences and meetings until further notice.
“Restaurants will offer only takeaway services and minimize the time of contact with their clients.
The churches and other religious congregations will reduce the number of persons in each session and meet for a maximum of one hour.” he added.
And further, the minister stated that there will be a suspension of trading activities in all markets this weekend for a cleanup exercise.
“There will be a suspension of trading activities in all markets this weekend to allow for a thorough cleanup.
All persons displaying symptoms to communicate to our health authorities for advice while remaining in self-quarantine.” Dr. Chilufya emphasized.
The Minister was speaking during a multi-sectorial COVID-19 update at the Ministry of Health.
And speaking at the same meeting Home Affairs Minister Hon. Steven Kampyongo said despite the government not closing down the borders in the wake of the pandemic, security wings will ensure that all Preventive measures that have been put in place are adhered to.
He added that he will ensure that Police stations are also equipped with sanitization materials.
Pardon prisoners, let them pay through Cleaning markets and hospitals.
Encourage take away and drink from home if we are that thirst.
@ Chichi…nibani abakala Shana?
In a Christian nation giving the church less hours to worship God,the bars from 06 to22hours sure.
Playing with fire by allowing bars, etc to continue operating. Please learn from the mistakes of Italy, Spain and others. By allowing this you are putting all of us at great risk. Drink, eat and pray at home and avoid this decision being regretted.
Chakolya government,how can they allow bars work more hours than churches while you call Christian nation
Sorry but I think you people are “mad” do you want to risk your lifes just for enjoiment??OK just enjoy…..question is how long!
Some people to not understand why this decision has been made. Let me try to explain, bars, pubs, bottle stores, night clubs and taverns just like super markets are businesses, in the days of an epidemic/pandemic you make sure you don’t collapse a local economy first. If you let an economy collapse in trying to insure safety and containment, the epidemic/pandemic may take a toll and increase R0 making the situation unmanageable.
Churches have eyes but can’t see that the govt is tired of drunks and wants to kill them mumano. So worshipers shouldn’t cry foul when in fact the move is calculated to save them.
But I don’t think the papa will collect enough tithe in this period.
In most western countries most public places including bars,restaurants and places of worship have been shut.
But in Zambia, the “christians for lungu” need more time to drink alcohol and seek their pleasures of the flesh.
“Christian Nation” my foot.
I am in kafue atm. Free drinks on me if you see me and can do the tissue challenge like kalusha bwalya
@Dokowe, good explanation.
How I wish the government could elaborate the reasons as to why there is a discrepancy over bars and churches.
These guys ought to be transparent and explain why! Additionally, it would be nice to hear that the government has directed bars on safety guidelines, I.e bars have been ordered not to overcrowd, to have hand sanitizers and not allow drunk people to stay. Furthermore, bar patrons are advised to be responsible in bars.
No coordination …they are afraid of banning all social gatherings as it will affect the churches their tool to dupe the docile masses
Tough balancing act. Guess they are relying on the principle of “give Caesar what belongs to Caesar”. Hopefully we don’t regret this decision.
The blood of the nation will be on your hands. Mwakosa mitima.
Please..Please you ID…TS Stop that *****ic allowance of visiting bars.Stop it now!!!
Where is the president we pay a lot of money to lead this country?