… COVID-19 affects 2020 Uhuru among Zambians
Berlin, 21st October 2020
Zambia’s Ambassador to Germany, His Excellency Mr. Anthony Mukwita has called on Zambians in Germany to observe this year’s 56th Independence Anniversary within their homes or in much smaller groups in line with the public health guidelines set by the German government in response to the continued rise in coronavirus cases.
Ambassador Mukwita said both the Zambian and German governments prioritized human life above anything else hence the decision to scale down on public gatherings and the number of people that can meet even for private functions.
“As an Embassy, we continue to collaborate with the German authorities and implementing their policy advice and, in the same spirit, we advise Zambians living and working in this country to do the same”, Ambassador Mukwita advised.
The senior diplomat said it was in the same spirit that this year’s National Day of Prayer, Fasting, Repentance and Reconciliation was not held in the same way that it has been held in the past, but instead individuals and families observed the day privately.
He said while it is always a wonderful experience to celebrate these important days by gathering and fellowshipping with others, family gatherings provide an opportunity for intimacy and reflection on what both the day of prayer and independence truly means.
“In the private confines of your homes, pray with your family and explain to your children and family members what independence means: you will be surprised how pleasant such an engagement could turn out to be”, the Ambassador said.
The theme for this year’s 56th independence anniversary is:24th October 2020, Zambia at 56: One Land, One Nation – Building Our Future Proud and Free.
In the last few days, coronavirus cases in Germany have suddenly risen with 6000 new cases reported in the past 72hours raising concerns that the gains made against the pandemic since its outbreak could be reversed.
Some of the hardest hit cities include Frankfurt – home to one of the largest airports in Germany and a major transit center for international travelers and Berlin, the capital city which houses foreign missions, the Zambian Embassy included.
In Berlin, hotspots for the coronavirus include the area in which the Zambian Embassy is located which has prompted increased vigilance on the part of Embassy management to safeguard lives.
It is a requirement for both members of staff and visitors to wear a mask upon entry into the Embassy while a hand sanitizer is placed right at the entrance. These practices are to be found in many other places such as restaurants where, additionally, clients are expected to write down their contact details.
For restaurants and bars, they are required to close down between 23hrs and 06hours in the morning.