By Mary Kachepa
Government has invoked Statutory Instrument -SI- number 79 of 2017 which prohibits the gathering of more than five people that are not members of the same family in Cholera infected areas.
The SI also prohibits the holding of ceremonies in a Cholera infected areas.
Health Minister SYLVIA MASEBO says SI -79 is to be enforced immediately.
Ms. MASEBO says the provision has given powers to authorised officers to enter any premises to search for Cholera patients or to inquire if there is a case of Cholera.
The Minister says under S.I number 79, authorized officers may prohibit or restrict trading or vending of food in unsanitary conditions.
She says the actions from officers can lead to the closure of premises that do not comply with hygienic practices.
Ms. MASEBO told Journalists in Lusaka today that Bars in Kanyama Township will be closed.
And Ms. MASEBO has signed Statutory Instrument -SI- number -5 of 2024Â meant to enhance Cholera prevention and control measures outlined in SI 79 of 2017.
She said SI number 5 of 2024 has introduced a clause that prohibits the entry of ‘bed-siders’ into Cholera Treatment Centres.
Ms. MASEBO further said religious gatherings are under SI number 5 of 2024 and leaders are expected to give Public Health messages to their members and keep a record of the messaging that has been given.
She said S.I 5’ will be enforced in the next 28 days and will be preceded by sensitisation messages.
MEANWHILE, Ms. MASEBO said about one point six million doses of Cholera vaccines are expected to arrive in the country this evening.
She said an official handover will be done to the Ministry of Health by cooperating partners on Monday, January 15, 2024, after which the Ministry will finalise the preparatory process to begin community vaccinations.
In the last 24 hours the country recorded 431 new Cholera cases and eleven deaths.
And Ms. MASEBO said there are 10 stable patients at the Cholera centre set up for the correctional services at Kamwala Remand Prison.
She further invited Opposition Leaders interested in the health of the people, to partner with government and register to be taken to the Cholera treatment facilities to avoid sending out incorrect information.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Health Infectious Diseases Director LLOYD MULENGA said Covid-19 cases that are being recorded are not severe.
And Zambia Medicines & Medical Supplies Agency -ZAMMSA Director General VICTOR NYASULU said the Agency has a special team which is responding to Cholera supplies.
Mr. NYASULU said ZAMMSA is using simplified bidding for supplies that need to be procured faster.
Meanwhile, the Medical Women Association of Zambia donated 720 medical gowns valued at 260,000 kwacha.
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