STICK TO COVID-19 RULES

WHETHER or not Zambia records new coronavirus cases is not a passport for citizens to let their guard down. With cumulative cases standing at 89, Zambians numbers should in fact not relax but strictly adhere to the stipulated Covid-19 guidelines and directives to prevent a further spike in infections. As Minister of Health Chitalu Chilufya rightly warns the numbers could rises sharply if residents do not heed the Presidential directive to stay home and maintain social distancing.  As of yesterday, the death toll still stands at three with 42 people having recovered while active cases remained at 44 in Lusaka, Copperbelt and Central Provinces.  We agree with Dr Chilufya that it is possible to have the whole Lusaka flared up if people did not adhere to the recommended guidelines and directives. While there is an improvement in adherence levels with many people realising the importance of wearing masks and sanitising, there are still some who are defiant especially when it comes to staying home and avoiding illegal gatherings. It is undeniable that unnecessary movement of people is still rife and worse still some have maintained a casual approach especially in Lusaka’s high density areas despite the city being the epicenter.  But for as long as people keep ignoring the “stay home message” take the pandemic lightly which has, human-to-human transmission will continue. By the same token, we implore those churches that are geared to resume congregating following President Lungu’s announcement that those that wanted to reopen can do so, to ensure they obeyed the health measures and directives to the latter. Some churches have opted not to resume congregating for the safety of their members and have advised them to “hold their fire” until further notice.  This is commendable.  But for those who decide to re-open, they should inform their members not to let their guard down to avoid further spread of the virus. Observing social distancing, masking and allowing a limited number of people to gather for not more than one hour will be crucial as worshipers congregate. If those church members can adhere to these regulations, they are good to go. But even as faithfuls gather to worship, it’s important for them to understand that the number of covid-19 cases are still high and could spike should they became careless. This simply means they may not worship in their usual manner.    It would be folly for any citizens to underestimate the gravity of the Covid-19 pandemic which has brought the world to standstill.  Yet for people in some districts with zero covid-19 cases, it is business as usual, as they believe that the pandemic cannot spread to their localities. It would therefore be prudent for the Ministry of Health and its partners to ensure sensitisation messages about the pandemic and prevention measures were extended to such districts. The only way to stay safe from Covid-19 is to stick to the health measures and not to be caught off guard. Stay home and stay safe! The Sun