Airports To Open But Bars Should Stay Closed, Says Lungu

President Lungu has announced that international airports will reopen after being closed because of the coronavirus pandemic. However, the president warned that bars and nightclubs should remain closed until the weather begins to improve.

Speaking in a televised national address on Thursday, President Lungu added that youths should take advantage of the opportunities which government is making available to them rather than protesting in the bush.

The comment comes after Monday’s protests, which saw many youths livestream demonstrations from the bush near Chalala in Lusaka. The youths were protesting against government corruption and infringements on free speech.

The presidents verdict on bars and night clubs will come as a blow to those business owners, many of whom have already started to open, in defiance of presidential directives and advice from health authorities. 

On June 12th, the Bar and Night Clubs Association of Zambia urged businesses to reopen if authorities continued to ignore the industry’s pleas.

President Lungu addressing the nation on Thursday