CORONA? NOT HERE, SAY MUNGULE RESIDENTS

SIMON MUNTEMBA writes  RESIDENTS of Mungule chiefdom in Central Province should take preventive measures against the coronavirus (Covid-19) seriously to prevent the outbreak of the virus in the area. Justine Musakabantu, councillor for Mchenje Ward in KatubaConstituency in Chibombo District, is sad that people in his area are reluctant to follow the Covid -19 guidelines. Delivering his speech on Wednesday in Mungule Chiefdom at the funeral of a senior resident, Enny Muntemba, Mr Musakabantu said it was sad that people were not observing social distancing and were disregarding the mandatory wearing of face masks. He said the behaviour of some people was contrary to the presidential directive and the Ministry of Health requiring people to observe social distancing, wearing of face masks and avoiding handshakes. Mr Musakabantu, who spoke in Lenje throughout, reminded the mourners that the pandemic was real and urged them to adhere to the preventive measures Government had put in place. He warned that failure to observe the Covid-19 preventive measures would put the local community in danger. “Malwashi aya teshiyakusekaninako mukwabo. Amulange America ucite mali aa ma hospital yatomushupa malwashi aya, ono swebongatwachikonsha nayanjila? Corona nayanjila mumushi muno sonsekufwa,” he said. Mr Musakabantu urged the Department of Health and Chibombo Town Council to spearhead sensitisation of communities. He has since urged people in the district to distance socially, cook meat thoroughly and avoid being touching their faces. During the whole funeral procession, several people were seen interacting and shaking hands without observing social distance. One of the residents who identified himself as Bashi Angela said he was not scared of the disease because it had nothing to do with the people in the village. Bashi Angela said he had just heard of Coronavirus from the people in rural areas. He would not stop shaking hands with old friends and relatives he had not met in a long time. “Taku banene, corona ngumalwashi yaku Lusaka. Sa mwakanyumfwaoayi kwamungule muntu wakafwa aa corona?” he asked.  Government has been emphasising the need for all citizens to strictly observe the anti-Covid-19 guidelines to prevent the spread of the disease. The Sun