HRDC National Coordinator, Luke Tembo, says, for example, that fines paid by those defaulting wearing of masks in public spaces need to be accounted for.

"Ultimately, there is a need for the citizenry to ensure that the wearing of the masks is mandatory," Tembo said.

The homeland security minister, Richard Chimwendo Banda, says every police officer will be deployed on the streets to enforce wearing of masks but will need to follow a laid down structure.

Meanwhile, the Public Affairs Committee has also welcomed and supports the decision by government to reduce to strictly 50 any gatherings in the country including gatherings for prayers saying this is critical to preventing further spread of Covid-19.

PAC spokesperson, Bishop Gilford Matonga, says the organisation will be behind all efforts that will help stop the spread of the scourge that has left no arena free.

President Lazarus Chakwera Sunday night announced additional 17 billion Kwacha funding to the Covid-19 response in the country to provide healthcare staff and equipment at a time there is a sharp rise in local transmissions and deaths.

In his address, Chakwera has ordered schools to be closed for 21 days and also introduced some fresh restrictions in an effort to stop transmissions of the virus.

The state residence in Zomba, Blantyre Youth Centre, Bingu National Stadium, and another place in Mzuzu are now designated Covid-19 Treatment Centres.