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COVID-19 Kills Two Malawian Cabinet Members; President Declares State of
National Disaster

Lameck Masina

   BLANTRYE, MALAWI - Two ministers in the cabinet of Malawi's President
   Lazarus Chakwera died Tuesday from COVID-19. The southern African
   country is dealing with a steep rise in cases, and in a televised
   address the president urged Malawians to take protective measures.

   Speaking on state media from his residence in the capital, Lilongwe,
   Chakwera ordered that national flags fly at half-staff, and called for
   three days of national mourning.

   Lingison Belekanyama was minister of local government and Muhammad
   Sidik Mia was minister of transport.

   Their deaths come as Malawi deals with an unprecedented rise in cases
   and deaths from COVID-19.

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