Government through Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has announced the immediate suspension of all church gatherings in a desperate attempt to prevent the spread Covid 19.

Minister of Local Government, Ben Phiri, announced this in Lilongwe on Thursday when the Special Cabinet Committee on Coronavirus briefed reporters on efforts to combat the spread of the virus.

Phiri said in South Korea a whole choir was infected by the virus at church, adding that the same happened in the US.

Phiri added that government has also suspended all Bottlestores, bars, hospitality activities, cultural activities, weddings and engagements.

He added that funerals have to be attended by a maximum of 50 people.