Two Malawian ministers die of Covid-19 on same day

Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera decreed three days of national mourning after two members of his cabinet succumbed to Covid-19 on Tuesday.

Local government minister Lingson Belekenyama and the minister for transport Muhammad Sidik Mia died in the capital Lilongwe.

The two are the highest ranking public officials so far to succumb to the virus in Malawi.

"We have entered the eye of the pandemic", Chakwera said during an address to the nation on Tuesday afternoon.

He said the government was considering declaring a state of emergency.

PRESS RELEASE

THREE DAY PERIOD OF NATIONAL MOURNING pic.twitter.com/uODUK4IMz4

— Malawi Government?? (@MalawiGovt) January 12, 2021

Malawi has recorded 9027 cases and 203 fatalities. The southern African nation has confirmed 1500 cases in the last 14 days alone.

On Tuesday, the presidency said it was cutting visits to the State House to ensure the President’s safety, local daily the Nation reported. Weekly press briefings have also been suspended.

On Sunday, Chakwera said he was entering a 21-day prayer and fasting session against Covid-19.

The pastor-cum politician has been criticized for not taking the pandemic seriously.

In October, he faced public criticism for not wearing a face covering when he met with his Tanzanian counterpart, John Magufuli, during a three-day official visit to the east African country.

This month, Chakwera was also criticized after he was seen without a face mask and shaking hands with American singer Madonna at his state residence in the capital, Lilongwe.

Madonna has four adopted children from Malawi and runs a charity there.