COVID-19 Restrictions Announced, Concerns Over Impact On Economy

On Wednesday Zambia recorded the highest daily increase of COVID-19 cases since the outbreak of the pandemic in the country in March last year.

Out of 12,928 tests done on Wednesday, 3,026 new cases of COVID-19 were picked up. That same day also saw 48 deaths which were associated with COVID-19. This was the highest number of deaths recorded since July last year when 67 deaths were recorded in one day.

In a bid to stop the spread of COVID-19 Secretary to the Cabinet Simon Miti announced restrictions on the population and the activities which they are able to carry out.

They are as follows:

- Pre, primary and secondary schools shall be closed for 21 days subject to inspections and review.

- All colleges and universities to conduct only online lessons for one month.

- Churches to only conduct two by 1hr services per week.

- Bars, casinos and night clubs will only operate from Friday to Sunday evenings.

- Funerals to only have 50 mourners.

- Wedding gatherings are subject to approval by health authorities.

- All conferences and general workshops are suspended until further notice.

- Restaurants to operate on take away basis.

- Public transport operators must ensure masking up and physical distancing is observed.

Several issues have arisen as a result of these restrictions, given the country’s dire economic state. The lockdown which occurred only last year had the Finance Minister worried as to the damage which it would have on the country’s economy.

Concerns over the impact which such measures may have on the country’s economy are rising, as the government plunges its economy into greater levels of debt than ever seen before.

With the entertainment industry hit hardest by these restrictions, questions have also arisen as to who will pick up the bill for loss of business. Restrictions placed last year were so detrimental to the lives of bar owners that they were forced into opening against government guidelines in order to save their livelihoods.

The impact of these restrictions is also likely to be felt heavily amongst the young as they go without any form of education for almost a month. From March to July 2020, more than 4.4 million children had their educated disrupted. Adding a new set of restrictions which prevents children from accessing educations, the Patriotic Front have potentially regressed any progress made towards Sustainable Development Goal number 4 which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education within the country.