Five bars shut

By SANFROSSA MANYINDA A combined team of Kitwe City Council public health inspectors and the Zambia Police has closed five premises that were operating as bars. The closed premises operated as bars against the Presidential directive to observe health guidelines in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. Some people in Kitwe and other parts of the Copperbelt have continued hosting patrons in large numbers behind closed doors in bars, night clubs and lodges without due regard to health guidelines. Additionally, they have engaged watchmen who raise alarm each time they see police officers or a council team patrolling the areas. Council Public Relations Officer, Nelly Nkolongo, said it was unfortunate that some people had continued opening their night clubs and bars which were supposed to remain closed during the COVID-19 period. “The local authority will not hesitate to take legal action against bar owners who have continued to operate despite warning notices served on them to stop operating against the public health guidelines,” she said. Ms Nkolongo said that the local authority was working with the Zambia Police to deal with patrons found in places that were operating as bars or night clubs. She warned that bars which were operating, reversing Government efforts in fighting the pandemic would be closed down. Many bars in the city were still opening though with caution despite several warnings from the local authority. The Sun