THE National Biosafety Authority (NBA) has called on the general public, front line medical workers and those handling COVID 19 to adhere to stringent biosafety standards in the wake of the country recording cases of the virus.

The Ministry of Health on Wednesday announced that Zambia had recorded two cases of COVID-19. This means that all health facilities will have to be transformed into high level containment facilities to prevent the spread of the infection.

NBA Chief Executive Officer Mr Lackson Tonga said the Authority was monitoring the situation closely and ensuring that all laboratories handling the outbreak are well trained and prepared for the COVID-19.

He said adhering to standards was very important as it will help mitigate the further spreading of the virus.

“The NBA is encouraging adherence to laid down biosafety standards and biosecurity measures in the light of the novel COVID-19 virus. We emphasize the need for using measures put in place by the World Health Organisations (WHO), Ministry of Health (MoH), the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) as well as the National Biosafety Authority (NBA),” he said.

“The Authority would like to emphasize on calls on the need to adhere to biosafety measures both at the ports of entry as well as in the laboratories handling COVID-19”

The NBA’s is mandated to ensure adherence to appropriate biosafety standards in laboratories. The Authority wants to ensure the safety of humans, animals and the environment.

“Since the country has recorded cases, there is also need to ensure that the spread of the virus is managed as it may be difficult to control if the biosafety standards and biosecurity measures are not adhered to,” Mr Tonga said.

The NBA supports and commends the MoH and governments’ stance on taking extensive biosafety measures such as isolation and quarantine of suspected individuals, closure of schools, travel restrictions and cancellation of mass gatherings.

“For the laboratories there is need to ensure that they use protective equipment and restrict access or entry. “

Meanwhile the NBA has been inspecting laboratories (with dealings in relation to its mandate) in the recent past and making recommendations where biosafety standards were not being adhered to.

 

ISSUED BY: SANDRA LOMBE

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Email: sandra.lombe@nbazambia.org.zm or lombe2@gmail.com

+260 211 278316 /0977854716/ 0961439503