Zambia’s confirmed coronavirus cases have increased by six, bringing the total number so far to 22.The six new cases come from tests on 72 people, Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya said.

He said two were at the Masaiti Treatment Centre in northern Zambia while 20 were being treated and managed in the capital, Lusaka.

The southern African nation is yet to record a death from the respiratory disease.

Zambian President Edgar Lungu has ordered the closure of gyms, bars, casinos, nightclubs as well as suspending all international flights except those landing and departing form the main airport in the capital, Lusaka, where screenings are able to be properly managed.

Restaurants would now operate on delivery and take-away basis only, he said.

Mr Lungu said all social gatherings would now be restricted to 50 people maximum.

But Mr Lungu has not closed the borders because of fears it would weaken the country’s economy.