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LUSAKA, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Zambia's cabinet on Tuesday directed health authorities to ensure mandatory wearing of face masks by people in public in order to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

The cabinet said the health ministry, working with other ministries and other stakeholders should enforce preventive measures announced in June last year, including wearing of face masks in public in order to contain the pandemic.

"Mandatory use of face masks by everyone in public, avoiding unnecessary crowding and ensuring social distancing, providing facilities for hand hygiene and sanitation, regular cleaning and disinfecting public amenities," the statement issued after a cabinet meeting said.

The statement emphasized the need for people to adhere to the preventive guidelines and also expressed concern that enforcement agencies have relaxed in ensuring that the measures were observed.

The cabinet also called on owners of bars and nightclubs to observe the measures on restrictive operating hours and days which were still in place.

Zambia has seen a spike in COVID-19 cases in the second wave of the pandemic. Enditem