Phalombe sets Covid-19 by-laws

Phalombe District Council has set by-laws to enable the district fulfill government directives in the fight against the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

The by-laws, among others, are expected to set out guidance on the implementation of the looming nationwide lockdown at district level.

Phalombe district commissioner Rodrick Mateauma said during a full council meeting last week that the district is at risk of Covid-19 because it borders Mozambique which has also registered Civid-19 cases.

“We, therefore, think it is important to be vigilant. The by-laws will enable us to obey government orders so that we prevent the spread of the pandemic,” he said.

But district environmental health officer Chimwemwe Jella said without instituting checks on uncharted routes along the border with Mozambique, the by-laws will not help much.

He said experience has shown that most of the health initiatives the district coming up with in times of outbreaks are affected by the unchecked exchanges that happen along the boundary with Mozambique.

“We are aware that our security personnel are working on tightening security along the boundary so that the efforts set out by the by-laws bear fruits,” said Jella. The district had a suspected Covid-19 case at Nambazo Health Centre along the border with Mozamvique, but it was ruled out later after tests.