US to evacuate citizens over Covid-19 pandemic
The American Embassy has said that it will repatriate its citizens in the aftermath of the Covid-19 in Malawi. US Embassy Public Affairs Officer Douglas Johnson has confirmed.
“Yes I can confirm that we will be repatriating our citizens. This is due to the situation now, security of America citizens is supposed to be the first thing,” Johnson said According to the announcement by US Embassy in Lilongwe to its citizens, there will be a special flight leaving Lilongwe to the United States within two weeks.
It says Americans interested to be repatriated should immediately contact the U.S. Embassy Consular section via the Lilongwe Evacuation Request Form, not later than 7:30 am on Tuesday, April 14.
The announcement says vulnerable populations will be prioritised and all others will be confirmed on first-come, first-serve basis.
Meanwhile Lilongwe City Council on Wednesday banned social gatherings such as weddings, bars and night clubs as a measure to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Lilongwe City Council Mayor Juliana Kaduya confirmed that this is the result that the city remain at risk of the Covid-19.
“The ban includes all bottle stores, pubs, night and sports clubs including gyms among others, “Kaduya said In a statement signed by council Chief Executive Officer John Chome, the council says it will work with the police to ensure that people are adhering to the order.
So far, eight Covid-19 cases have been recorded in Malawi, including one death.
