Government Spokesperson has expressed worry over the perception among citizens that the coronavirus pandemic is not real.
Speaking during a meeting with United States Chargè d’ Affaire David Young, Dora Siliya who is also Information and Broadcasting Services Minister said Government still has a lot of work to do to convince members of the public that the disease is real so as to save lives.
In a statement issued to Money FM News by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services Press and Public Relations Unit, Ms. Siliya stated that most citizens have abandoned COVID-19 preventive measures prescribed by the Ministry of Health claiming that the virus does not exist in the country.

“There is need for government to re-strategize the COVID-19 public campaign messages in order to yield desired results,” Ms. Siliya stated.
Meanwhile, Ms. Siliya said while people have the right to be heard, this should not be done in a manner that is disrespectful and can incite violence adding that Government has a responsibility to ensure public peace and protect all citizens regardless of their political or religious views.
“I know that our partners think that we are out to get the youths because they have freely expressed themselves. But it is important that we appreciate that we live in a country with real politics, social context and Christian values,” she said.
She assured that Government will continue to value and protect citizens rights of freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and freedom of speech.
And Chargè d’ Affaire interim at the United States Embassy in Zambia David Young said his Government, like Zambia, shares in the value of freedom of Assembly, Freedom of Speech, Freedom of the Press and Freedom of Expression as critical rights in a democracy.
He, however, said these freedoms must be exercised in a respectful and peaceful manner.
“The key issue is for people to express themselves peacefully and respectfully. The problem is when they go on social media, television and radio to incite violence and hate speech,” he said.
Further, Mr. Young appealed to members of the Public to heed President Edgar Lungu’s call for strict observance of coronavirus preventative measures.
“Measures such as wearing of masks in public places, observing social distance as well as regular washing of hands with soap are effective ways of protecting oneself especially people with underlining health conditions and the aged,” he said.
He also commended President Lungu’s cautious approach in reopening different sectors of the economy such as airports, schools among others.
Mr. Young said his Government together with Center for Disease Control and USAID is determined to work with the Zambian Government to promote the health the sector.