Of these cases 642 are imported cases whereas 783 are locally transmitted.

Following an increase in local transmissions of COVID-19 cases in the country, Karonga Diocese has introduced mandatory use of face masks among its faithful with immediate effect to counter the spread of the viral disease.

Diocesan Pastoral Coordinator Reverend Father Joseph Sikwese told Zodiak online that effective 18 July, congregants will not be allowed to attend church gatherings, meetings and liturgical celebrations without wearing face masks.

"As a church we are equally concerned with increasing numbers of positive cases for COVID-19 hence the intervention," said Sikwese.

Reverend Sikwese explained that the decision was arrived at following a recommendation by the Advisory Committee of Bishops and Diocesan Council of Bishops.

So far Karonga district has registered 15 confirmed cases of Covid-19 while Chitipa has recorded 30.

Cumulatively, 317 cases have now recovered bringing the total number of active cases in Malawi to 1165. The average age of these cases is 33.9 years , the youngest case is at 1 month, the oldest is 78 years and 67.5% of these are male.

So far, 15,724 tests have been conducted in 39 COVID-19 testing centres in the country.