Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda says the current COVID-19 Positivity rate has increased to 15.9 percent from 1.2 percent as of June 1, this year.

The Minister has disclosed this at a presser that is underway in Lilongwe.

As part of measures to stop the spread of COVID-19, the Minister has announced rules and regulations to be followed among which bars are to operate from 2 pm to 10 pm, restaurants are to be opened from 6 am to 10 pm.

Chiponda has also discouraged physical meetings in offices and opted for virtual or outdoor meetings.

The Minister also has announced a curfew from 10 pm to 6 am.

Seating capacity for indoor activities including services of worship in churches and mosques reduced from 100 to 50 people and overnight prayers or services has been completely forbidden.

Chiponda adds that vigils at funerals have been prohibited, burials of the departed to be conducted within 48 hours.