This archive report was first published on 23 May 2020.
On May 23, 2020, Zambia's Information Minister Dora Siliya tested positive for coronavirus, according to state TV reports.
Chief government spokesperson confirmed that Minister Siliya, who was asymptomatic at the time, had confirmed her status after testing for the virus.
As a precautionary measure, Ms Siliya has since gone into self-isolation.
With over 900 confirmed cases, Zambia had widened its screening and testing efforts, making Minister Siliya's case a significant development.
The country had taken measures to contain the spread of the virus, including closing its border with Tanzania at Nakonde-Tunduma after recording over 70 cases in a single day.
While Zambia did not go into lockdown, it imposed restrictions such as closing bars, casinos, and gyms, as well as schools.
However, two weeks prior, President Lungu had allowed the reopening of gyms and casinos, but not bars, citing the need to find a way to continue economic activity amidst the pandemic.
Universities remained closed, but examination classes for secondary and primary schools were set to resume on June 1.
President Lungu stated that the country's economy was 'choking' due to inactivity, amidst the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and a significant Chinese debt burden.
