A statement by the Asian Business Community (ABC) coronavirus (Covid-19) task force has revealed that the community is set to provide fully functioning quarantine solutions in Blantyre and Zomba cities.

Signed by the task force’s chairperson Faizal Aboo, the statement said the isolation and quarantine facilities will be fully equipped by ABC and will be handed over to the Ministry of Health to operate. The solutions announcement has arrived as the ministry of health estimated that the virus may spread to 50,000 people, if precautionary measures are not adhered to. In swift response, the task force has identified Blantyre and Zomba as isolation and quarantine centres in full coordination with the Blantyre District Health Office (DHO).

Aboo outlined that these centres will have the necessary equipment such as ventilators, personal protective equipment, medication and more which has already been procured for the medical personnel. “The establishment and equipping of the isolation and quarantine centres for the Ministry of Health, are fully funded by well-wishers from the Malawian Asian Community.” said Aboo, “These funds were raised within 72 hours of the budget being received. Within receiving a request for PPE from the Blantyre DHO, the ABC  provided 100 sets within 24 hours.”

The task force has had a hands-on approach to the pandemic in Malawi, having donated an ambulance to Blantyre DHO to assist in their testing and response. The task force was formed on March 26, 2020 and has a force of over 40 volunteers of sub committees,