Zambian authorities on Monday announced the shutdown of nightclubs, casinos, and other places where alcohol is served following continued flouting of COVID-19 preventive guidelines reported CGTN Africa.
The places will be operating on a take-away basis for the next 14 days subject to review. The Zambian authorities had previously permitted the drinking places to operate from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
During a press briefing on the COVID-19 situation, Mathew Ngulube, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government said it has been found that nightclubs and casinos continued flouting the preventive guidelines, a situation that was contributing to an increase in coronavirus cases.
“Clearly, there is a large challenge in terms of compliance to operating within the stipulated hours as well as observing the five golden rules,” he told reporters.
He said gymnasiums will also remain closed except for outdoor activities while churches and other places of worship will be monitored for compliance and adherence to the health preventive guidelines.
Ngulube said the local Zambian authorities have increased monitoring on the adherence to the preventive measures in the markets and bus stations and warned that the government will have no option but to close the places if the measures are not followed.
The government has put in place various preventative measures to curb a rise in the number of cases in the third wave. Schools, colleges continue to remain closed while the government has also suspended the holding of campaign rallies ahead of this year’s general elections.
The Zambian health authorities have reported 1,093 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, bringing the cumulative cases to 149,661. The hospitals discharged 1,859 patients during the same period, bringing the total recoveries to 126,441. However, 69 people died during the same period, bringing the total death toll to 2,091.
