The Blantyre City Council (BCC) today has ordered a closure of bars, bottle stores, shabeens and all drinking joints with immediate effect.

In a statement posted on the Facebook page, the BCC says liquor shops will be open but restricted takeaways.

The council says this is a move to prevent the further spread of the coronavius pandemic.

It has further said it will revoke permit licences for any operator that ignores the order.

Currently, Malawi has recorded 36 cases of Coronavirus.