Government has finally released 1 Billion kwacha meant to purchase face masks for the general public.

This follows public calls that despite making it mandatory for everyone to be wearing face masks, some people keep giving excuses that they cannot afford to buy masks.

In a memo which has seen and has been signed by Siphiwe Mauwa for Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, the funds have been disbursed to all district councils to buy masks to be distributed to communities.

Meanwhile, George Jobe one of the country’s health rights activist has hailed government for the gesture saying this will go a long way in ensuring strict adherence to the order for people to wear masks in public.

Jobe has however advised government to at least be distributing two or more masks per person.

The recent measures followed a surge in new infections and deaths which came at the start of the year.

Currently, the country has 14,436 active Covid19 cases.