MISA Malawi would like to call upon all journalists in the country to take all safety and precautionary measures as they conduct their duties during the 21-day nationwide lockdown, which starts midnight on Saturday, April 18.
The media fraternity is among the few sectors that will be operating during the lockdown announced by government on the night of Tuesday, April 14.
As the country observes the lockdown, MISA Malawi would like to call on journalists and the media to:
- Provide citizens with accurate and credible information on the lockdown and Covid-19
- Ensure that all journalists on duty have ‘Employee Identity Card (ID)’ and/or media jackets for easy identification
- Strictly adhere to the lockdown guidelines.
- Practice and take all safety and hygiene precautions, including avoiding crowded places and observing recommended physical distance during the lockdown and normal daily practice
- Have the right equipment and facilities to do their job, including face masks and hand sanitizers if possible
- Strongly consider video conferencing or other means of conducting remote interviews and reporting
- Avoid or minimize the use of mobile phones to do physical one-on-one interviews
- Conduct regular disinfection of equipment such as cameras, recorders and microphones.
MISA Malawi would also like to urge law enforcement agencies and officers to ensure that media freedom, freedom of expression and right to information are respected and safeguarded in the 21 days that Malawi will be implementing the lockdown.
Stay safe.
Media contacts
MISA Malawi Chairperson Teresa Ndanga
Cell: +265 999 247 911 or email teresa.temweka@gmail.com
MISA Malawi National Director Aubrey Chikungwa
Cell: +265 999 327 311 or email info@misamalawi.org
