THE Ministry of Health has permitted the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) to hold their Annual General Meeting (AGM) slated for July 4, 2020, provided members abide by strict regulations to prevent possible spread of COVID-19.

The AGM, which is expected to take place on July 4, 2020, usually attracts about 1,500 lawyers countrywide.

In a letter written by Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Administration Kakulubelo Mulalelo addressed to LAZ honorary secretary Mwenya Mukupa dated June 25, 2020, Mulalelo stated that that LAZ’s request to hold their AGM was approved as long as they followed health guidelines listed in the Statutory Instruments 21 and 22 of 2020.

“I am in receipt of a letter to hold the LAZ Annual General Meeting on 4th July, 2020. The government and, indeed, the Ministry of Health is cognizant of the importance of your meeting. However, I wish to reiterate that the risk posed by the COVID-19 global pandemic is currently high. Local transmission has been established in all the provinces of Zambia affecting over 1,400 people with 18 deaths recorded,” stated Mulalelo.

“The Public Health Act Cap 295 and issued Statutory Instruments 21 and 22 of 2020 guide our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Guided by public health guidelines and the President’s guidance given during the various national addresses, the following measures must be put in place as you have a meeting: (1) Risk communication and sensitization through health talks to the participants. (2) Provision of hand-washing and sanitation facilities; enforced hand hygiene. (3) Physical distancing of not less than one meter. (4) Wearing of masks throughout the meeting. (5) No handshakes and hugs. (6) The room must have adequate ventilation. Your request to hold your AGM is approved on the condition that you follow the guidelines listed above. You may request for technical support to guide the setup prior to your meeting.”