Government says it will proceed with its plan to roll-out the AstraZeneca vaccine, despite being suspended in South Africa.

During the Daily Update on Covid-19 on Monday evening, Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda maintained 60% of the country's population needs the AstraZeneca vaccine.

"The vaccine will still be administered despite being suspended in South Africa, adding, experts have been working on the clock to ensure the vaccine is safe for the country," said Chiponda.

During the briefing, government spokesperson Gospel Kazazo said the situation in South Africa is still being monitored, urging the citizenry not to panic.

Kazako also condemned reports that health workers are being verbally assaulted in some parts of the country.

The minister of information also took time to assure the citizenry that the committee will act on the President's directive to receive reports on how the K6.2 Bn Covid-19 funds were spent.

As of Monday, the country has recorded 227 new cases, 155 recoveries, and 18 deaths.