Government To Shut Schools

Schools, colleges and universities are set to close on Friday 20th Match in a bid to stop the coronavirus outbreak. The pandemic has so far infected almost 200,000 globally, with close to 8,000 fatalities.

Announcing the intention of government to close education facilities the Minister of Health Dr Chitalu Chilufya said that so far 500 health workers have been trained. No date for reopening has been given.

Here is his statement in full.

“Zambia has not confirmed any case thus far, the following additional measures have been put in place:

1- Screening process: Zambia Public Health Institute mandatory screening at every point of entry.

Statutory instrument enacted for COVID19 which means it is a notifiable disease and citizens must abide by instructions from authorities.

– 2-14 days quarantine from a high-risk country if symptomatic, – if symptomatic, a person will be isolated for symptomatic management and treated.

Areas in Lusaka, Petauke, Chinsali, Livingstone, and Copperbelt have been identified.

The MOH has put in place an adequate number of rapid responders.

2- We are emphasizing on the restriction of ALL foreign travel, reschedule all avoidable travel.

3- Hygiene practices to be enhanced, MOH has engaged with airlines and introduced a pre-departure screening.

4- There are two known high impact interventions, hand hygiene, and cleaning of communities to be upscaled. MOH and all line ministries will continue to engage that this is followed through.

5- Religious leaders and other leaders requested to take hid, mandated to facilitate handwashing facilities at places of worship and reduction of hours on the congregation.

6- All schools, colleges, and universities will close this Friday and between now and this Friday we will be disseminating knowledge of how to prevent COVID19. Engaging infection prevention. This just brings forward the recess for these institutions. And we will be giving guidance on reopening.

7- Misinformation will disturb the response. As minister of information, Honourable Dora Siliya has sated, press statements will be distributed through press only. We will be giving regular updates as the epidemic evolves.

For community, if any symptoms. Report to authorities.”

Those experiencing symptoms are advised to contact the Zambia National Public Health Institute using the following numbers:

Mobile +260 97 4493553

Mobile +260 96 4638726

Mobile +260 95 3898941