The Evangelical Association of Malawi (EAM), a Christian umbrella organisation for evangelical churches and christian has supported the President’s declaration of State of disaster.

EAM secretary general the Reverend Francis Mkandawire said that being the first time to happen, it would be tough to adhere to the directive that gatherings that include churches, weddings and funerals should have less than 100 people.

“It will inconvenience our members greatly. This has never happened before. But government and the churches have to work together to ensure this is complied. We have to be helped how we can limit attendance. Coronavirus is deadly and we cannot afford to take chances.

“We share the President’s concerns, the action taken is important. As churches, there were already measures we put in place, we’ll continue adhering to those measures,” Mkandawire said.

Mkandawire warned Malawians not to take the current situation as business as usual as the pandemic has devastated great nations with sound economies.

While government is taking drastic measures to ensure the nation is safe from the coronavirus that has so far claimed over 9 000 lives globally, popular chain stores in the country, busy market places and public transport remain hotspots that should give policymakers headache.