Malawi’s new covid- 19 restrictions met with backlash
LILONGWE,Malawi.(News of the South)-Malawi announced its new Covid-19 restrictions during the weekend that have been met with backlash, with at least one civil society group threatening to take the government to court.
By Karen Mhlanga
The restrictions made include that public gathering of more than 10 people have been banned, except for funeral were there can only be less than 50 people.
The wearing of masks has also been made mandatory and failure to do so will cause one to be fined up to $13.
Places of worship have been closed down, while bars can only operate 6 hours a day from 14:00- 20:00 while only selling take away.
The government has taken to such measures because of their coronavirus cases that have risen up to 4,712 with 152 deaths.
The measures that were put by President Peter Mutharika were blocked by a court pending determination.
The influential Catholic Church complained that it was never consulted and was joined against the government by other church leaders.
A local civil society organization, Centre for democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI), has said it will take the government to court for ignoring the court order.
Health Minister Khumbize Chiponda has since issued a statement promising to engage religious leaders “in further consultation”.
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