COVID-19: Malawi initiates three-weeks lockdown against spread of virus

The Malawian government has announced a three-weeks lockdown to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus, according to the country's health minister Jappie Mhango.

The three-weeks lockdown will commence at midnight on 18 April and end at midnight on 9 May but could be extended if circumstances warrant it, President Peter Mutharika said in a separate address.

Malawi's health ministry has confirmed a total of 16 coronavirus cases including two deaths.

Like other nations on lockdown, those exempted are law enforcement officers and providers of essential goods and services, people will need to seek permission to leave the area around their homes.

The BBC reported that other providers of essential goods and services will be identified and issued special permits by the District commissioners and local chief executive officers.

As a result of the lockdown. the government also added that no central market will open, however, local markets will be allowed to open between 05:00 and 18:00 local time.

President Mutharika said that “fighting coronavirus is a challenging war for everyone, everywhere. It is also a very expensive war,” as such security personnel will be deployed at border points during the lockdown and will also set up roadblocks at strategic points across the country.