President Lazarus Chakwera has spoken tough against the laxity among Malawians in the adherence to Covid-19 preventive measures.

In his 20th radio address Chakwera acknowledged that he is among many Malawians that have not been following the preventive measures for the disease which has claimed 220 lives since the onset.

Chakwera described as disturbing the pace at which the virus has been spreading since the festive season.

He said the situation is putting too much pressure on our health system and health workers.

In his address Chakwera said the continuous flouting of safety measures namely washing hands, watching social distance and wearing of face masks will make us lose the gains we have all made to make Malawi safe.

Meanwhile the president has directed the minister of homeland security and health to scale up enforcement of Covid- 19 safety guidelines with immediate effect and asked all citizens to act in accordance with the guidelines.

As of 9 January 2021, the country had registered 381 new Covid-19 cases, seven new recoveries and 12 new deaths.