First to react was the Catholic Church which through its mother body, Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) expressed displeasure over the manner in which regulations were implemented arguing there were no consultations on the new set measures.

Concurring with ECM is Prophetic Ministries Association of Malawi (PROMAM) which has come out in the open saying they will continue holding prayers of not beyond 100 people beginning this Sunday.

Speaking at a media briefing Monday afternoon, PROMAM Vice-Chairperson, Senior Prophet Justice Hara said government has been reckless in imposing the new measures.

"We don't expect government to set limits on people to gather in churches when there is no limit at all for people in the markets and any other places. From the outset of this pandemic in the country, the church has been key in putting in place measures that helped in preventing further spread of the disease. We feel this is an ambush and we stand our ground that prayers will continue, starting from this Sunday" said Hara.

But Health Minister Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda told us her ministry will engage faith leaders to hear their concerns.

"I have been receiving several phone calls from faith leaders and the contentious issue has been on the 10 limit regulation on gatherings that include churches. I have opened doors for discussions and will soon write them letters so that we can meet and hear their concerns. The outcome of our meeting will be communicated to Malawians" said Kandodo Chiponda.

Over, 4,500 cases have been recorded this far and over 60 percent of the cases are locally transmitted.