People in the country have been urged to voluntarily comply with COVID-19 prevention guidelines without waiting to be pushed by law enforcers.

The call has been given by the Malawi Police Service following observation that many people in the country are defying orders imposed by government an effort to decelerate the spread of the virus.

National Police spokesperson James Kadadzera said everyone must take reasonability of their lives without laboring police officers to apply force.

“We all know that there is Covid-19, and we all know that this is third wave, regulations gave been there during all the waves and now and it’s a question of all of us coming together collectively to be complying to the rules and regulations.

“Not necessary having police officers with whips in their hands for people to comply, because if we do that, we will definitely not achieve anything,” said Kadadzera.

Among other measures, government directed that people in workplaces should be working in shifts (50% of the staff at a shift, if not working from home) is mandatory. Working from home is strongly encouraged in all offices, with the objective to decongest the office.

Authorities noted that employees at high-risk of severe disease such as people aged 60-year-old and above and people with comorbidities should work from home.

In additional, travelling and transportation is further limited as travelers are advised not to travel outside their respective locations unless necessary and for essential purposes.

Government has also imposed a curfew from 10 pm to 6 am.

MCTU has also reminded government that essential service workers have the right to strike which government cannot take away.