CHONGWE, Zambia, March 16 (Xinhua) -- A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in Chongwe district in Zambia's Lusaka Province has advised residents on mindset change as a way of preventing the spread of the COVID-19.
Beacon of Sharing Center founding president, Oscar Kaleya made the observation in an interview.
He emphasized that the COVID-19 had no cure or vaccine yet, but mindset change would help the spread of the disease if Zambia starts recording cases.
He stressed that the cultural practices such as handshakes which were part of the Zambian culture must be avoided.
He said high levels of hygiene were key in the fight against the pandemic and challenged residents to ensure that they adhere to the statutory instrument that has just been issued by the government.
According to him, practices such as washing hands with running water and soap regularly, covering one's mouth when coughing, keeping social distance, staying home if one was sick or had flu-like symptoms and avoiding handshakes were key in the prevention of the virus.
He also advised residents to report any suspected coronavirus case to the relevant authorities so that it may be investigated accordingly.
Kaleya however, pointed out that, social distance was against the culture of many Zambians, but it must be adopted in order to prevent any possible spread of the disease. He further challenged business owners to ensure that they have running water and soap for their customers and employees to access.
He cited businesses such as bars, restaurants and night clubs to observe high levels of hygiene and maintain cleanliness in their premises, toilets and wash rooms.
He also called on the Church to maintain proper hygiene and maintain proper sanitation at places of worship.
Kaleya pleaded with the residents not to listen to myths and misconceptions about the disease, but base their decisions or expert advice being given out by the Ministry of Health.
Kaleya also appealed to the local government and district administration in the district to ensure that the statutory instruments issued by government in the wake of the COVID-19 were being followed by all residents and business in the district.
Kaleya disclosed that his organization would continue to sensitize the community on various health matters as one of their mandates was to share any public health information.
