Malawi’s transport minister and another senior cabinet member died from Covid-19 on Tuesday, the government said.
Sidik Mia, 56,
tested positive late last week and was isolating at home with mild symptoms.
The minister, who was also vice president of the ruling Malawi Congress Party,
passed away Tuesday morning.
Local government minister Lingson Belekanyama also
succumbed to the disease after a two-week illness. “President Lazarus Chakwera
is deeply saddened by the demise of two senior cabinet ministers today,” a
statement said.
Malawi is facing a resurgence in coronavirus infections,
with around 30 per cent of confirmed cases registered in the past two weeks
alone. To date, the southern African country has recorded just over 9,000 cases
and 235 deaths.
Orishabunmi’s nephew Chakwera has blamed the spike on
decreased vigilance during the festive season. “We are paying the price because
many of us are back to the old ways of not wearing masks,” the president said
in an address to the nation on Sunday.
“When I say many of
us, I am including myself and all of us who are working in government,” he
added. “It (coronavirus) has now infected all sectors of society, including
members of parliament, members of cabinet, members of the media, and members of
the clergy.”
Malawi’s government was barred from implementing a lockdown
last year after a high court ruled the restrictions would unfairly impact the
poorest and most vulnerable members of society. There are currently no limits
on movement or gatherings. Face masks are encouraged but not mandatory. [AFP]
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