A UNICEF situation report for the week 23 to 29 July indicates that the increase in the number of COVID-19 fatalities is mainly due to late reporting and limited management capacity at emergency treatment centers. 

Government has urged both the public and private sector to start disinfecting their offices amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic to guarantee the safety of both workers and those accessing their services.

 Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda told Zodiak Online that this comes after effecting the same in some government offices.

 She has since commended the Department of Road Traffic Services for embracing the initiative.

 She said it was encouraging that some entities like banks have disinfected their working places but the onus was now on government departments and agencies to carry out similar exercises.

 “We are encouraging this exercise to be done especially in offices where most people meet, like the Road Traffic department where people come to get their documents such as licenses, passport offices, banking halls just to mention but a few,” said Chiponda.

 While commending government for the initiative, health activist George Jobe is of the view that disinfectants used must be long lasting for maximum safety.

 "Disinfecting all public offices is commendable even other public places like markets and the like but key to that is how long are the disinfectants lasting to give workers or other people a guarantee that they are safe for so long a period,” said Jobe.

 Meanwhile Zodiak Broadcasting Station ZBS on Saturday disinfected its offices in Lilongwe to ensure staff safety.