The Center for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has dragged government to court over new covid-19 restrictions.

Interim Executive Director for CDEDI Sylvester Namiwa said the gazzetted restrictions are the same as lockdown which the court stopped its implementation pending judicial review.

According to Namiwa the restrictions that have been gazetted last week Friday are punitive and have the potential to inflict lives of Malawi since they might lead to business and job losses.

He has also cautioned government for imposing the strict measures without carrying wider consultations.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda said the ministry will conduct further consultations with religious leaders on the recently gazetted rules for prevention of Covid-19.

The decision follows concerns from faith community leaders who have expressed discontentment with the new rules which among others have banned religious gatherings.

Chiponda said the consultations will guide the ministry’s efforts to have compliance mechanisms which will not contravene with religious activities.