As a measure of reducing congestion amid the threat of coronavirus, the Malawi Congress of Trade Unions (MCTU) has urged employers whose working premises harbour more than 100 employees to split their workers into shifts.

The suggestion was raised in a statement by the union, signed by  Secretary General Denis Kelekeni. The precautionary measures follow as President Peter Mutharika declared a state of emergency, calling all educational institutions to shut down, while banning gatherings of more than 100.

On the other hand, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative in Malawi Nonlanlha Rosemary Dlamini urged working Malawians who have the flu to stay at home. She said there is a need to intensify prevention measures, observe washing hands, coughing etiquette, social distancing and seeking early medication when you have flu-like symptoms. “If you have flu, it is better not to go to work,” she said.