HH Advises Social Distancing To Tackle Coronavirus

Opposition UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema has advocated the benefits of social distancing in combatting the spread of COVID-19. 

Writing on Facebook on Thursday HH stated, “There's strong evidence that is emerging that proves that social distancing, is one of the most effective ways of slowing the COVID 19 coronavirus pandemic and making it more difficult for the virus to spread from person to person. World Health Organisation (WHO) defines social distancing as a length of space of between 2 to 4 metres between two people.”

The UPND leader noted that the measures would come at a cost but stated that the importance of protecting loved ones was the primary consideration.

“There are of course social and economic implications on our daily livelihoods, in carrying out such stringent actions, but fellow citizens, we have no choice but to protect our families, our communities and our country.”

“The virus doesn't move, people move it. We stop moving, the virus stops moving,” he explained.

In order to help stop the spread of the disease he advised Zambians to “act as though you have the disease”, while remaining “hopeful” “because together we shall conquer COVID 19.”

The comments come the day after President Lungu confirmed the number of cases in the country has risen to 12 and announced a raft of new measures to try and slow the spread of the virus. 

The measures, effective from midnight on Thursday, include the restriction of public gatherings such as conferences, weddings and funeral to no more than 50 people, the closure of all bars, nightclubs, gyms and other non-essential businesses, and the redirection of all flights to Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, to ensure effective screening of passengers.