President Edgar Lungu says Bars, Night Clubs, Schools and other businesses that are still closed will reopen after the cold season.
Addressing the nation this morning, President Lungu said this is because Covid-19 cases are likely to flare up during the cold period, hence the need to stem the further spread of the disease as the pandemic is real and remains a deadly disease.
He stated that it has come to his attention that some bars and night club owners have resumed operations disregarding government’s guidelines, a situation he says must not be condoned as it is important to adhere to the measures that government has put in place.
“In view of this, bars and night clubs will remain closed until the weather conditions are favorable and special and specific guidelines for this sub-sector are devised and put in place.”
The Head of State also disclosed that Zambia has recorded 8 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours from 569 tests conducted, adding that the cumulative total now stands at 1, 497 with 18 deaths, and 1, 223 recoveries since the outbreak of the pandemic in the country.
“We have had 1,223 cumulative recoveries from Covid-19, which translates to 82%, out of 52,195 total tests conducted so far. In addition, all patients under treatment are in stable condition. I wish to applaud our dedicated gallant health professionals and all the frontline personnel for the spirited fight they put up against Covid-19,” he stated.
Furthermore, President Lungu disclosed that government has set aside K30 million Youth empowerment scheme targeting Artists to be launched in Lusaka soon and will be spearheaded by the National Arts Council.
He has since directed the Ministry of Youth and Sport, the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, and the Citizen Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) to facilitate linkage for the youth to benefit from the development of industrial yards through the skills development and entrepreneurship project supported by the African development bank (ADB).
“I direct the Minister of Youth, and Sport to find opportunities as enshrined in the seventh national development plan for the youth to venture into skills training and other entrepreneurship ventures.”
He also announced the immediate reopening of all international Airports in the country with strict adherence to the health guidelines.
“Let me direct the Minister of Communication and Transport, the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Home Affairs and the Minister of Tourism to work together in ensuring stringent health guidelines such as screening, testing passengers with symptoms, masking, social distancing, frequent washing of hands, and follow-up on passengers who test positive and sending them into quarantine until they test negative,” he said.
The Head of State is hopeful that the reopening of all international airports will trigger the recovery of the tourism sector not only in Livingstone but the country at large adding that country has to get back to work fully under the new normal.