Zambia is one of southern Africa’s most impacted nations despite being way behind continent leader South Africa.
A lockdown imposed by President Edgar Lungu has since been relaxed following a continent-wide trend. This article will focus on major developments coming from the southern African country.
July 21: case boom, parliament shut down again
The parliament will today adjourn sine die due to the rise in COVID-19 cases. According to an order paper for Tuesday, July 21, Vice President Inonge Wina will issue a Notice of Motion to request the House to adjourn in view of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Adjournment of the House: That, in accordance with Standing Order 33 (1) of the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Orders, 2016, and in view of the Coronavirus disease, 2019, the House do now adjourn sine die,” the Order Paper read.
Local media portal, Mwebantu, reports that this will be the second time that the parliament is adjourning due to the pandemic. The house had earlier adjourned on 18th March before resuming on 9th June.
Meanwhile, there is a boom in reported cases with the current caseload sitting at 3,326. The previous tally before the July 20 update was 2,980 cases as of July 18.
Zambia virus stats as of July 21, 2020 at 07:00 GMT
Confirmed cases = 3,326
Deaths = 128
Recoveries = 1,620
Active cases = 1,578
John Hopkins University stats
June 24: 1,489 cases; truck drivers, air travellers import cases
Case load as of June 24 stood at 1489 with 12 new cases – 7 from Chirundu, 4 in Lusaka and one in Kafue, the health ministry announced.
The cases include truck drivers who entered the country via Chirundu and passengers screen at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport plus contacts to known cases. With 10 new recoveries, there are 1,223 of them in total with 18 deaths.
The active case count is 248. The Ministry said there were 855 tests in the last 24 hours. Nakonde remains the most impacted district with 642 cases as against Lusaka’s 419 cases. In all, 32 districts have been infected nationwide.
The cumulative number of tests stand at 51,626. One of the smallest tests across the continent where most countries have passed the 100,000 mark. South Africa is Africa’s most impacted country with over 100,000 cases. The country has run over 1.3 million tests so far.
Why are people able to enter through airports: US embassy gives answers
The Government of Zambia has suspended all tourist visas until further notice. Travelers arriving with a visitor visa, or applying for a visitor visa on arrival for non-essential purposes will not be permitted entry despite Zambian borders being officially open.
Entrance to Zambia through non-tourist visas or permits is subject to approval from the Ministry of Health following a health screening at the port of entry.
-Quarantine Information:_
The Government of Zambia is enforcing mandatory 14-day quarantine, testing, and regular monitoring at their residence or preferred place of stay for persons entering Zambia.
Persons arrivi
