In a national address at his Area 6 Residence in Lilongwe Sunday afternoon, Chakwera, however, said his inauguration will proceed at Kamuzu Barracks with a maximum 100 invited guests. 

Chakwera admitted “our lives at risk, and therefore requiring adherence to all Covid-19 preventive measures.

The President’s decision to cancel the 6^th July celebrations comes after some quarters of the society called for the same to contain further spread of the virus, with the recent being the opposition Democratic Progressive Party.

Leader of opposition also DPP’s Vice President for the Southern Region Kondwani Nankhumwa has since commended the Presidents decision pledging support in the fight against containing further spread of the coronavirus.

The increase in the cases has been attributed to among others lack of seriousness among Malawians to follow the preventing measures for instance keeping a social distance and use of face masks.

Despite the number of cases increasing at alarming levels, Dr Chakwera feels a lockdown is not ideal considering the country’s way of life.

Instead, the President says government is considering employing other means of preventing further spread of the virus, to be announced soon.

In as far as preparedness is concerned, Dr Chakwera hinted that about 200 oxygen machines are expected to arrive in the country soon to beef up the available few.

Zodiak has received various reports of mismanagement of cases in isolation and quarantine centers in the country, which put to him the President says will comment later after consulting those managing the situation.

While Malawians await other ways to follow to prevent further spread of the virus, President Chakwera says government is currently exploring tax exemption on hygiene products for easy access by all.

As of 5^th July 2020, Malawi has registered 1,613 confirmed cases with 17 deaths out of 16,281 total tests so far.