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Malawi President Announces New Measures Against Coronavirus

Lameck Masina

   BLANTRYE, MALAWI - Malawi's president has proposed new safety measures
   against the coronavirus, which has infected 36 people in Malawi and
   caused three deaths. The president is offering cash payments to the
   poor to help them survive a proposed lockdown, and to persuade vendors
   to close shops. But vendors, who protested plans for the lockdown two
   weeks ago, say the payments would be too small.

   In a televised national address, President Peter Mutharika said the
   government will make cash payments to support Malawians who normally
   depend on the markets for their livelihood.

   He said the government will target a minimum of 172,000 households,
   representing an estimated 35 percent of the urban population.

   "Each identified household will be paid electronically through mobile
   payments, K35, 000 per month and the amount is based on the prevailing
   government minimum wage rate," said Mutharika.

   The payments are equivalent to about $50 per month, and would last for
   six months.
   

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