19 May 2020.

On 8 May President Edgar Lungu announced that cinemas, restaurants and gyms in Zambia can reopen, and that hotel and lodges can also consider getting back to normal operations.

The President said that bars and taverns will remain closed, and that strict health guidelines should continue to the observed.

Schools and education institutions remain closed, but pupils who are meant to be sitting for exams will go back to class on June 1. The President has asked school authorities to ensure that social distancing is maintained and that all pupils wear face masks.

On 19 May 2020, World Health Organisation (WHO) African Region reported 761 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Zambia and 7 deaths. This is an increase from 167 confirmed cases and 4 deaths reported by WHO African Region on 9 May 2020. There has been large number of cases in the northern town of Nakonde bordering Tanzania.