Zambia and Tanzania are in talks over public health management amid the coronavirus pandemic, a day after the former shut its joint international border, officials said.

Zambia witnessed highest spike in infections last week, most of which were diagnosed in Nakonde border region.

Last Saturday, Zambia recorded as many as 85 virus cases, 76 of which were detected in Nakonde.

Chitalu Chilufya, Zambia’ s health minister, said both the countries were part of the Southern African Development Community, hence bilateral, cross-border collaboration in public health remained vital in addressing COVID-19, Zambia News and Information Services reported.

The period for the temporary closure of the Nakonde border will be determined by how the disease progresses, he added.