Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Malawi President Calls for United Front Against COVID-19

Lameck Masina

   BLANTYRE - Malawi president Lazarus Chakwera is calling for
   collaborative efforts in the fight against coronavirus, which has so
   far infected nearly 6,000 Malawians and killed over 170 others. But
   commentators say the government should also tackle other diseases
   rather than focusing on COVID-19 alone.

   In his weekly radio address Saturday, Chakwera said it is worrisome
   that local transmission has been on the rise despite various efforts to
   contain the virus.

   The president said today marks 162 days since the first case of
   Covid-19 was confirmed within our borders. He said that presently, the
   transmission of the pandemic is more local than it is imported, so each
   of us needs to see ourselves and others as potential carriers of the
   virus.

   However, Chakwera said there is need for cooperation in the fight
   against the pandemic.

   He asked Malawians to continue to observe three rules that health
   experts have prescribed for keeping the virus from spreading: hand
   washing, observing distance, and wearing face coverings.

   Chakwera hailed heath workers' efforts in the fight against the spread
   of the pandemic.

   So far, he said, the number of people tested has reached 48,000, of
   whom just over 10% have been found with the virus. He said of those
   confirmed to have the virus, over 65% have fully recovered while 31%
   are still recovering.

   President Chakwera's remarks came at times when the country is easing
   some of the measures that were put in place to contain the spread of
   the virus.

   For example, Malawi opened schools in phases on September 7. This came
   after the opening of airports on September 1.

.