COVID-19 CASES SURGE: PEOPLE BLAME GVT AMID OFFICIALS, LECTURERS TESTING POSITIVE

By Meclina Chirwa, Vyaalema Phiri & Esther Manduwa

Government is partly to blame for the surge in new cases of Covid-19. 

These are views of some Malawians who through Thursday’s Mukuzimva Bwanji program aired on Timveni radio felt border closures should not have been selective. 

"Malawians returning from abroad especially South Africa have led to the sharp increase in cases." argued one of the listeners .

In a related development authorities at Mzuzu University say 3 members of staff have tested positive for the Corona Virus.

According to University Registrar, Yonamu Ngwira, the three include, Dominic Gondwe, a senior lecturer who died on Thursday.

Ngwira, however, has called for "calm among staff and students."

Meanwhile a health rights activist says disclosure by public figures of one’s Covid-19 status will go a long way in helping the country confront the pandemic. 

Maziko Matemba’s comments come against a backdrop of several officials publicly declaring that they have been confirmed Corona Virus positive. 

Matemba said, " Such openness will among other attributes help beat stigma and discrimination." 

Matemba commended the officials for leading by example in forthcoming with information about their Covid status.

"The development will instill confidence in those that test positive to the pandemic as well as encourage others to get tested and to observe Covid-19 preventive measures." added Matemba.  

Among other top officials who have disclosed that they have been diagnosed with the virus are Deputy Speaker of Parliament Madalitso Kazombo, Minister of Transport and Public Works Sidik Mia and Minister of Labor Ken Kandodo.