Ruth Chayinda-President EDGAR LUNGU says agencies entrusted to enforce the Covid -19 guidelines should refrain from abusing and harassing citizens found flouting the rules.
President LUNGU says measures he announced last year to stem the spread of Covid -19 are still in force and all citizens must comply stating that if they do not he will announce stringent measures to protect populations from the pandemic.
Meanwhile President LUNGU has emphasised home based care solutions include steaming “ukufutikila” as proven remedies for Covid -19.
The President says it is regrettable that enforcement officers have lately abused, or humiliated citizens found flouting the Covid -19 guidelines.
President LUNGU says enforcement officers can make citizens abide by the Covid -19 guidelines without necessarily harassing them.
He however says the number of people that have contracted covid-19 since the turn of the year and those who have died is of great concern.
President LUNGU says there is correlation between the high numbers of cases and relaxed observance of Covid -19 guidelines in the current spike.
He added that the festive season came with partying and overcrowding with little observance of the covid-19 health guidelines.
The head of states notes that in September he partially reopened bars, taverns and night clubs with serious caution that all Covid -19 guidelines would strictly be adhered to and should operate between 18:00hrs to 23:00 from Friday to Sunday.
President LUNGU said at no time did he allow these outlets to open daily but this is obtaining at the moment leading to the situation citizens are in.
The President has since made a clarion call aligned to the public health Act CAP 295 of the laws of Zambia and Covid -19 associated statutory instruments.
President LUNGU has since called on all citizens to wear masks correctly and practice good hand hygiene when in public places and gatherings.
He also called on all public facilities and hosts of public gatherings to ensure the provision of hand washing facilities or alcohol-based hand sanitizers and enforce the use of masks in their facilities.
President LUNGU said local authorities will facilitate disinfection of conveyances and public places including markets, bus stops and stations, shopping malls, places of worship, schools, and office places.
He also noted that the owners of public vehicles are directed to ensure that passengers wear masks and are provided with hand hygiene facilities before embarking onto vehicles.
The head of state said drivers flouting the rules will have their licenses revoked.
And President LUNGU says the enforcement of public health measures in bars must be in place further stating that the conditions for opening bars must be adhered to of which failure to do so might lead to the withdrawal of trading and liquor licenses.
He also called on all leaders, traditional, religious, political or civil to lead the followers in adherence to public health measures.
AND President LUNGU also expects the Ministries of General Education and Higher Education to ensure that schools, colleges and universities adhere strictly to public health regulations and guidelines and certification when they open.
President LUNGU says all relevant authorities including parents and guardians must contribute to protect the pupils and students.
The President also urged frontline workers in charge of testing to ensure that they make available contacts that people can use to call them, when they feel unwell.
President LUNGU has however commended all frontline workers for their courage and resilience when looking after covid-19 patients.
The President also mourns with all the bereaved families and wishes all citizens God’s Protection and blessings.
The head of state also emphasized that home-based care solutions such as steaming using eucalyptus leaves, consuming vitamin C, ginger and garlic, honey and cinnamon concoctions are some of the tested remedies
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