Zambian government recently announced that it will be closing all schools, colleges and universities in the country as a way to prevent the deadly coronavirus (COVID19), reports our Correspondent.
Apparently, that did not end there, on the 18th of March 2020, parliament had to close business for that same reason.
This came after the Ministry of Health had announced that a Statutory Instrument had been enacted that would limit public gatherings as a way of fighting the spread of the disease.
In that light, Muchinga Province Minister Malozo Sichone, raised a Point of Order requesting if the House was supposed to continue sitting following the announcement of two COVID 19 cases and the directive by the ministry.
In response the Speaker informed the House that following the orders from the Ministry of Health on Coronavirus prevention, he had allowed Vice President Inonge Wina to move a motion to adjourn sine die.
The Vice President then moved the motion to have the House adjourn in line with the precautionary measures as had been advised by the ministry of health.
In pushing the motion to suspend business of the House, Wina pointed out that the Members of Parliament are not immune from contracting the virus and therefore must take precautions just like anybody else.
Wina added that the country had filed two infections and therefore needs to respect and adhere to the Statutory Instruments signed by Health Minister.
Wina’s motion was backed by all members from both sides and Parliament immediately adjourned.
Announcing the cases, the health minister Chitalu Chilufya said life should go on and urged Zambians not to panic as the country confirmed its first two cases of COVID-19.
Chilufya informed the nation that COVID-19 mortality stood at two per cent, therefore citizens should remain calm and stick to preventive measures laid down by the government.
He added that as the responsible minister, he will keep the nation updated.Chilufya called upon the public to adhere to the measures put in place, particularly observance of high levels of personal hygiene, environmental cleanliness and social distancing to prevent transmission of COVID-19.