Zambia to close schools in view of COVID-19, not to close borders

Chitalu Chilufya (R), Zambian health minister, speaks during the press briefing on the measures put in place to safeguard against COVID-19 in Lusaka, Zambia, March 17, 2020.

The Zambian government announced Tuesday that it was closing all schools in view of the COVID-19 outbreak. Although Zambia has not recorded any COVID-19 case, the government has heightened its preparedness and surveillance against the pandemic.

The Zambian government announced Tuesday that it was closing all schools in view of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Although Zambia has not recorded any COVID-19 case, the government has heightened its preparedness and surveillance against the pandemic.

Minister of Health Chitalu Chilufya said all schools, colleges and universities will be closed with effect from Friday, March 20.

The Zambian minister however said the government will not close the borders.

The schools will be opened in line with the evolvement of the outbreak.

He told reporters during a COVID-19 update press briefing that the purpose of closing the schools was to protect the school-going children.

The government, he said, was not taking any chances and was putting in place preventive measures because of the risk the pandemic poses should it break out in Zambia.

Meanwhile the government has directed its embassies abroad to review visa applications in areas with a high presence of COVID-19.

The government has also advised Zambians planning to travel to countries with high numbers of the disease to consider rescheduling their plans.

The government, he said, has put in place a contingent plan to respond to the pandemic and was working with various stakeholders.

Among the measures include training of 580 health personnel, enhancing screening at border entries and encouraging washing of hands, among others.

The government has also restricted the number of hours people meet in church and other public gatherings.