Lungu Rules Out Shutting Down Economy Over Covid

President Edgar Lungu has said the government will not consider shutting down the national economy in order to tackle the spread of the coronavirus. 

It comes as yesterday Zambia recorded a further 602 cases of Covid-19, following close to 2,000 over the weekend and bringing the total number of cases to 38,207. 6 people died yesterday as a result of the virus, with a further 385 currently in hospital. 

Speaking to business leaders in Isoka, President Lungu resisted calls to impose a curfew and shut down the economy saying that this strategy had not worked in other countries. 

The president also added that it was important for Zambians to avoid contracting Covid altogether, rather than simply relying on the vaccine. He clarified that he in no way meant to discredit the vaccine but rather that scientists still do not know how long immunity from the vaccine can last. Wearing masks and adhering to social distancing is still the best way to prevent the spread of the virus, he said. 

Meanwhile, the Isoka Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has urged the government to open the Kobwa Mine in the district. ICC spokesperson Lawrence Kasonde pleaded with President Lungu, saying the mine would create many jobs for the people of Isoka. 

Mr Kasonde aslo called on President Lungu to ensure that the contractor working on the Great North road implements a 20% subcontracting policy.