Minister of Local Government Charles Banda says efforts are being made to ensure that traders in markets in Lusaka receive face masks.
Dr Banda says the masks are being distributed in different markets as a precautionary measure against the spread of the Coronavirus.
He has advised all market administrators to ensure that targeted beneficiaries receive the face markets to help curb the spread of COVID-19, especially in public places where social distancing might be difficult to maintain.
Dr Banda said this when he and his counterparts at Health, Chitalu Chilufya and Minister of Justice Given Lubinda distributed masks to the traders at Chilenje market.
He also emphasised that all markets should have hand washing bays so that people can exercise personal hygiene.
And Dr. Chilufya said material used for making reusable face masks should be cotton because it does not admit particles.
Dr. Chilufya said people are being encouraged to make their own re-usable face masks so that they are able to protect themselves.
He further disclosed that organisations such as Association of the Indian Community in Zambia have pledged to make a million face masks that will be distributed.
The Minister has since called on more organisations to come on board to make face masks that can be distributed.
He noted that the ministry of local Government will work with various associations in markets to distribute the face masks in markets.
