Malawi closes borders amid second wave of COVID-19

LILONGWE, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- Malawi government on Tuesday announced the immediate closure of borders for 14 days as the country is experiencing a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases.

Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda made the announcement at a press briefing held in the capital, Lilongwe.

The minister also announced that the country's Minister of Labour Ken Kandodo, who is a member of the Presidential Taskforce Committee on COVID-19, is receiving treatment of the pandemic.

"One of our committee members, Hon. Ken Kandodo, has tested positive for COVID-19 and is recovering so well," said the health minister.

The minister said that only essential services and deported Malawians, and those who went out for business will be exempted from the 14-day immediate closure of borders.

Public gatherings will only be allowed for a maximum number of 100 people with strict observance of COVID-19 measures, according to the health minister.