THE Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has commended front line health personnel for their efforts in fighting COVID-19. ZCCB president George Lungu said the faith, courage and resilience of doctors, nurses and support staff in fighting coronavirus deserves commendation. This is contained in a memo dated April 25, 2020 on the extension of the suspension of church gatherings and communal liturgical celebrations in view of the rising number of cases of coronavirus in the country.

“The bishops’ conference wishes to applaud the faith, courage and resilience of doctors, nurses and support staff in the front line. We assure you of our prayers,” he said. Bishop Lungu said Government should prioritise the safety of health workers as they fight the pandemic. He said the Catholic Church will engage Government, through the Ministry of Health, on some of its concerns regarding the fight against coronavirus.

Bishop Lungu, who is based at Chipata Diocese in Eastern Province, said people in the diocese are vulnerable to contracting COVID-19 because of the four border posts the region has. He said the diocese covers the whole province and some northern parts of Muchinga Province. “At border posts of Chanida for Mozambique, Mchinji and Lusutha for Malawi and Muyombe for Tanzania, there are no serious preventive measures in place against the spread of COVID-19,” Bishop Lungu said.

He also said the church is worried that people are still travelling to and from Lusaka, the epicentre of the virus in Zambia. “As much as we appreciate the fact that the levels of adherence have improved, in some instances, relaxation among people remains strangely high and the issue of physical/social distancing still remains problematic,” the clergy said.

Bishop Lungu also said the suspension of all church gatherings and communal liturgical celebrations will remain in effect until further notice. He said the decision to extend the suspension of such gatherings was made after consultations within the church circles in liaison with various stakeholders in the health sector.

“In the meantime, churches remain desirous of protecting the lives and health of its members and pastoral agents. “Allow me then to exhort you to religiously and judiciously follow the basic rules of hygiene, especially those of washing hands with soap regularly and thoroughly,” Bishop Lungu said. The cleric said people should continue avoiding handshakes but should always wear masks in public places as advised by health authorities. He commended C&S Investments and all those who have partnered with the Catholic Church in fighting COVID-19 and in its efforts to alleviate the sufferings of people. “We call for donations from like-minded individuals and institutions to help many others who are desperately in need,”
Bishop Lungu said