President Edgar Lungu has taken to social media to urge Zambians not to pain over the outbreak of the fast-spreading Coronavirus also known as COVID19.
In a long post on Facebook, President Lungu said citizens should not panic as health experts are working vigorously hard day and night.
“Let me reassure the nation once more, not to panic because as our health experts are working vigorously hard day and night to effectively address the situation. In this regard, I wish to commend our health workers who have demonstrated a great sense of responsibility, professionalism, selflessness and determination by being on the battle-front in fighting COVID-19, in order to protect every Zambian life,” President Lungu stated.
He said he called for an urgent Cabinet Meeting on Monday to discuss various cross-cutting policy matters aimed at improving Zambia’s socio-economic environment while strengthening multisectoral efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19.
“The key outcome of this Cabinet Meeting was the approval of the COVID-19 Contingency Plan, which also includes a Budget to effectively fight the coronavirus pandemic in Zambia,” he said.
“Let me, therefore, take this opportunity to call upon all stakeholders including Cooperating Partners, the Private Sector and Society at large; to support this innovative Plan by ensuring its effective implementation so that Zambia can succeed in protecting human life everywhere. Indeed, we all have an important role to play.”
He said the COVID-19 Contingency Plan does not mark the end of my Government’s initiatives and measures.
“Hence, I have directed the Council of Ministers Chaired by Her Honour the Vice President Mrs Inonge Wina to continue proposing sound initiatives, strategies and measures to protect the much-treasured life of every Zambian.”
“In addition, fellow countrymen and women, I am urging you all to act in the best interests of your families, neighbours and nation by, among other things, strictly adhering to the guidelines outlined by the Ministry of Health (MoH) vis-à-vis containing the spread of COVID-19. Some of these measures include; practicing maximum hygiene and avoiding gatherings in public places such as markets, bus stations, churches, bars, theatre movies, casinos and other social places.”
“In conclusion, I have also noted with concern how some businesses have suddenly exorbitantly hiked prices of goods such as surgical masks and hand-sanitizers for no justifiable reason, other than the outbreak of the devastating coronavirus worldwide. I am, therefore, appealing to such businesses to stop profiteering on the back of fear of the calamitous coronavirus.”
President Lungu said Government is closely monitoring the situation and has tightened controls at all entry points.
“Our surveillance system is fully operational. The nation will be constantly informed of every single step taken by my Government in responding to the pandemic.”
But Ba Edgar has become childish. Why did he replace thug Kaizer with that boy who watches cartoons?
using Facebook is 10years behind. Obama and Ka Chellah used that form of communication.
He just now looks like a fuuuull.
He urged Zambians not to pain.
health experts are working vigorously hard day and night
He said the COVID-19 Contingency Plan does not mark the end of my Government’s initiatives
My mother has no access to social media, how will this msg get to her and other people in position?
This disease needs the effort of every Zambian to effectively fight it. Whats worrying is the speed at which its spreading in the developed side of the world and this definitely provides an opportunity for us to learn the dos and dont’s by being proactive. Our buses, markets , street vendors all need adequate information to protect themselves and public otherwise we are in for a rough ride.
There is the word of assurance you all have been waiting for. What more can the man do? This problem will not be solved by any president making speeches to the nation, it will be solved by people obeying advice from health experts – and that includes the president himself!
A working president who is action oriented. Rather than obsessed with giving press conferences. It was a great meeting this morning where alot of actions were agreed. We thank you for the wise guidance and leadership your excellency. It is in fact wise and thoughtful of you to not hold press conferences when we should all be social distancing. Thanks. Kz
I knew it would be social media
Mr. Preaident address the nation. Not all Zambians have access to social media please. Do it like other presidents are doing it all over the world
Yaba . Ba Edgar bena kapuba. Still no vision on how he will lead his people. Hiding behind Facebook.
Social media is good for social distancing. If his excellency holds a public press briefing that means security personnel will be needed and we all know it will attract 100s of media personnel. If anyone within that group has the Corona virus that means 100s could be infected all because of a press briefing which could have been done in a responsible way. Let us be mature
I would be worried if this guy was telling me not to panic
Just your voice your excellence is a great assurance and this is the time we need you like never before. Together indeed we shall achieve the said plans, nothing can be greater than life itself. Thanks and we are together.
“DO NOT PANIC OVER COVID -19”, says a Drunken Kabova, who is always absent drinking, stealing & dancing whenever the Nation is facing serious catastrophe.
J0n@than didn’t even get out of his bed to address the nation while Gassing was @ its height, possibly because he knows abena Ch!mpyong’z & Cheeseman -B0wm@n were responsible for directing the Gassing, hence 100% of all Gasser’s apprehended to date are 100% P.F.
The only time this Mukula loving J0n@ panics is when he is challenged over leadership of the rotten P.F, Bill 10 sinks like a lead balloon, there are contracts to steal from, when he’s about to jump on that Jet to fly aimlessly with Narc0 peddlers or if the supplies of Jemasoni & other alcoholic beverages are running low in State House.
Lastly, P.F, KUYABEBELE!
That is Lazy Lungu for you if it was campaigning he would camp in your toilet for 5 days…now this he is a Facebook President like Tayali.
Kindly Mr President address the nation on TV and Radio Stations, not on Social Media. The Zambians are eagerly waiting to hear from you. They need words of assurance and encouragement. For the sake of our beloved nation, be proactive and act like other leaders worldwide. Social media is not a suitable platform for this pandemic issue. Hope you will listen to my humble appeal.
The message is well appreciated Mr President but if that photo was taken during this week then you are forgetting and neglecting the social distance parameter in the reduction of exposure. You are all very crowded there creating a very conducive medium to transmit the virus. Stay blessed
Some of you behave like his excellency is your wife . Don’t you have partners? During a time of a contagious virus you want to see lungu. Other times when lungu is shown on news all time ati ZNBC is biased and we are tired of seeing the president. Nomba what do you want? Is social distancing having an effect on you? I notice that the majority of people calling for his excellency to hold a press conference are actually not even located in Zambia . They are asylum seekers in Europe and are under lockdown. Why not spend time with your wives during lockdown.. or cant you stand your wives that much? It normally happens like this when you marry 80 year old foreigners for papers.. you start longing to be addressed by your president because you cant stand your old partner.
This is a failure of a president.
His friends everywhere are taking a leading role. Taking every opportunity to reassure citizens with concrete data. Telling them the plans in place, measures in place.
Every credible leader on earth has been addressing the nation. He goes to facebook.
And we have thugs defending his incompetence and lack of leadership, by claiming he is working in silence. Really? Is that the best you have? I know your IQ is extremly low and you can only survive by bootlicking, violence, corruption etc. But really? Is that best justification you can give.
To the Bootlickers who call this man “Father of the nation,” wake up to the reality that he is actually ” Uncle of the nation.” Only uncles behave like this!
Edgar needs to wake up! People will lose lives…..he needs to show face. It’s that simple!
Play catch up to HH. Assurance to the nation and what needs doing was made a few days ago by president of UPND party.
Always a step a head and a step behind for PF government – make changes in your cabinet for efficiency over national matters.
But where is he?
Of course we are panicking. If people in such highly developed countries are dying in hundreds and hundreds what does he expect?
You are NO presidential adviser/secretary material and you are a disgrace to Zambia and it’s peoples.
Grow up ! You guys have failed to govern. The earlier you vacate those offices the sooner Zambia can start gaining some international respect again.
Indeke yalula, awe kwena itusheko.
The other sad thing about lungu is that he is surrounded by vultures, hyenas, flies, and snakes. They pretend to be loyal, but in dark corners they are plotting against him. They hold dark corner meetings to bring him down, but in public and on this blog they make all sorts of noises claiming loyalty.
Lungu will have the worst shock of his life when he will be ousted and deserted by the same thugs that are singing his praise and feeding on the crumbs from his corruption table.
Just like bill 10. A lot of PF MPs are against it because they know it is evil. They also know that it is meant to pepertuate the stay of an incompetent delictator.
Angela Merkel and Justin Trudeau are in quarantine AND still addressing their people on a daily basis. This is the WORST international crisis since WW2. ALL serious world leaders are addressing their frightened populace on a daily basis. Thousands of people worldwide are dying every day. This is an existential crisis and yet our dictator in chief has chosen to abrogate/delegate his leadership. Anyway, where the b****y hell is he? What are we paying him for? We don’t need to hear from propagandist (lyin’) Dora, ACC target Chilufya and the un-elected Chief Govt Thug to talk to us. And he wants a third term!! Ba Edgar, some really nasty speculation and rumours about you are already in circulation so you would do well to talk to the people on live TV to prove these wrong.
Those who sign…
Ba lungu in times like these true leaders are in the forefront leading, and showing great leadership, in times like these true leaders don’t lag at the back pushing their lieutenants in the frontlines. Show face man, people didn’t elect you to hide from them during crucial times such as these.
Positive thought and a fighting spirit will save us all. Avoid noisey mouthpieces inappropriately politicking and using this emergency to twist the minds of people at their lowest time. We survive by addressing the Battle, picking the correct weapons and fighting together. Reject the political candidates trying to ‘spin,’ this pandemic to front their selfish personal power battle. Do not let your minds become the target for the devil’s workshop.
Above all, let us do what the Bible says, put on the Armour of God. the Helmet, The Breastplate, the Buckle, the Shield, The Sword. Let our feet be guided. And standing back to back let us whield our swords, protecting one another from the enemy surrounding us.
“Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of the PF party”………………..okay, okay………. the country!
This is a dumbest president ever known in my life. I wonder what type of human being he is? We are talking about serious and deadly disease which can wipe the entire Zambia in few months. Why don’t you have a press briefing live one? Useless!
Edgar Kungu is misguided to think all Zambians have access to social media during an emergency that shuts in a lot of citizens.
Kaizer Zulu uluchipuba.
What these dumb leaders like Lungu and Bo Inonge dont understand about convid-19 is that when you are sick there is no evacuation to RSA private hospital.
Kaizer Zulu uluchipuba
I have already heard from Presidents Ramaphosa and Kagame.
Besides, I don’t follow facebook, rather childish.
Im stunned beyond Words. We are all going to perish like flies with this kind of Leadership. Is it true as Kambwili has just asserted that UTH has only 17 Ventilators and 6 ICU Beds; that the Chinaman who has quarantined himself in Ngwerere is being looked after by Zambians who are still in Physical contact with other members of the community; that there only 3 test kits available in the whole country? Yes Kambwili has also observed that leaders the world over are leading from the front. Ours seems to disappear when the nation is in crises – The Invisible President. What a waste of space and what did Zambians do to deserve this?
Lungu please man up n satisfy your employers demands , they want to see you n hear your soothing voice.
Im stunned beyond Words. We are all going to perish like flies with this kind of Leadership. Is it true as Kambwili has just asserted that UTH has only 17 Ventilators and 6 ICU Beds; that the Chinaman who has quarantined himself in Ngwerere is being looked after by Zambians who are still in Physical contact with other members of the community; that there only 3 test kits available in the whole country? Yes Kambwili has also observed that leaders the world over are leading from the front. Ours seems to disappear when the nation is in crises – The Invisible President. What a waste of space and what did Zambians do to deserve this?
Takwete ifyakulanda!
No vibe!
No Pulani!
Fyonse balekopa kuli Chilufyanya… kikikiki
Umusebanya batini?
What are ministers supposed to do if His Excellence takes a leading role, others will be sleeping.. that’s why there are experts!!!
Decontamination Protocol
The people’s president has spoken.
The president for ALL Zambians has said it.
The leader of the elite people of the the land of Zambia has assured his own.
The people will heed.
Zambia is intact.
God bless Zambia.
God bless our president.
The president seems to playing chidunu that’s why he is in hiding. Can someone tell the president to come out of hiding because JK has dununad it already.
The president seems to playing chidunu that’s why he is in hiding. Can someone tell the president to come out of hiding because JK has dununad it already.
Apart from eligibility and gassing, this promises to be a hot campaign issue in 2021. Very embarrassing.
Where is he? Hiding under the desk at State House? In terms of citizens listening and appreciating the seriousness of a matter such as this, there is a difference in relation to who stands in front of the nation and delivers the same. That is why other
countries have seen their Heads of State in the forefront, alone or straddled with other medical icons. People need to see that their leader is at least purporting to be in control and reassuring them that if there is cooperation,
problems can be surmounted. Not in abstract remote statements, but with visibility!
Where is he? Hiding under the desk at
State House? In terms of citizens listening and appreciating the seriousness of a matter such as this, there is a difference in relation to who stands in front of the nation and delivers the same. That is why other
countries have seen their Heads of State in the forefront, alone or straddled with other medical icons. People need to see that their leader is at least purporting to be in control and reassuring them that if there is cooperation,
problems can be surmounted. Not in abstract remote statements, but with visibility!
“ZIMBABWE Vice President Constantino Chiwenga was airlifted to China as his health woes resurfaced. The Vice President was airlifted to the coronavirus-hit nation on Sunday after his health took a turn for the worse”
This was on the 15th of March, 9 days ago. It would appear our leaders still have a route for medical evacuation even in these times.
Pipo of Zed stop pleading ecl for now. He never came out during gassing, corona, and many a time. the clock is ticking. vote him out in 2021. All the Presidents are on TVs around the World but our imposter is hiding. Only fooooozzzzzzyyyyssss like KZ and SITF can give silly and useless comments. shame on you.
Commander-in-chief in hiding from serious issues. If it was a bye-election of a councilor he’d be all over dancing like it was a matter of life and death.
Ba boss – ZABS is talking about fake sanitizer and you are telling us not to panic – ok
Visionless leadership in a crisis like this is tantamount to genocide.
This is what you get by voting for ex-kachasu loving corrupt minded .
Do not expect ECL to lead us as expected coz he is not that material.
Mr President, I suggest you just go back to sleep, we are managing just fine with out you.
Ka Kaizer needs to have his brain re-wired! Thinking capacity is too shallow. Maybe the man(ECL) is unwell. He likes TV a lot and he is nowhere to be seen at this most critical moment. Kamo ukufwenkula amasha niba number 1
What about people in villages who don’t have access to facebook or internet this was supposed to be put on radio and TV and interpreted in all the languages of the country.
What about people in the villages who don’t have access to internet.
It’s really unfortunate that Zambia has this guy as President. So frustrating! How do you tell citizens not to panic, really? Why can’t he close the airport like other African countries are doing?