Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) has enforced the suspension of both local and international activities on sports associations as a precautionary measure in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
In a memo circulated to local sports bodies on Sunday, the council stated that associations should stop sending athletes or officials to any international engagements until such a time that the virus has been officially contained.
All local sporting events have also been suspended “with a view to monitor the situation until government of Malawi advises otherwise”.
The memo, signed by the council’s acting executive secretary Henry Mereka, also encourages all to report any cases that are suspected to be related to the virus.
It as well urges all associations to be in constant liaison with their respective international bodies, to which they are affiliated, to monitor progress of the pandemic and the pending sporting events Malawi was to participate in.
Confirming the development yesterday, Mereka said Malawi sport is part of the global family and has a serious obligation to take part in fighting and preventing the contracting and the spreading of the pandemic.
“Although there have not been cases reported in the country, it was important to be cautious with the negative impact the pandemic has made so far globally,” he said.
Sports associations have welcomed the idea, saying although it will affect their operations, it is important to save lives. Prior to the official ban, Football Association of Malawi, Netball Association of Malawi and Professional Boxing Control Board, had already suspended their events.
