Zimbabwe Announces Fresh Lockdown Over Surge In COVID-19

Posted by Daniel Jones African News, Featured, Latest Headlines, News, News Around Africa Sunday, June 13th, 2021

(AFRICAN EXAMINER) – Zimbabwe has announced new lockdown measures as the Southern African

country bans all gatherings except funerals with effect from Monday 14 June following a surge in new cases and deaths.

Government rolled out vaccination of citizens in February and while hope was high that new infections were being contained, the country witnessed a new wave lately where 596 new cases and 26 deaths were recorded in the last seven days, four times higher than figures last month where 132 cases and six deaths were reported during the same time.

Health Minister Costantino Chiwenga who is also Vice President said while the country’s vaccination is going on well, the surge in new cases was worrying.

He bemoaned complacency by citizens in adhering to preventive measures both in the communities and workplaces.

As such all offices, both government and private are to decongest by 50 percent except those connected to essential services.

Mandatory wearing of masks in public places, maintaining social distancing sanitizing hands Government will strengthen testing and contact tracing as well as quarantining contacts and isolating confirmed cases.

“We are also witnessing a sharp increase in cases and deaths globallyand in Sadc region. In order to curb surge in cases and deaths and prevent a potential third wave the following measures will be implemented from 14 June.

“Transporters are to adhere to recommended numbers and disinfect vehicles after every trip, all gatherings except funerals are banned and these include but not limited to weddings, church gatherings,

music festivals and sports activities.

“All meetings and workshops are to be held virtually while retail businesses and shops to operate between 8am and 6pm. Beerhalls and night clubs will remain closed while bottle stores will operate from 10am to 4pm, no dinking in and around premises. Hotel and lodges bars and restaurants are open to their residents up to 10pm while all other restaurants and fast foods outlets will serve take aways only,” said Chiwenga.

Tobacco auction floors will not close but owners must ensure strict adherence to measures while workers are excpe3cted top have Covid-19 negative test results valid for two weeks.

At all ports of entry there shall be strict enforcement of the 48 hour old PCR negative certificate requirement and mandatory testing of all travelers from hot spots at their expense regardless of their negative PCR certificates.

There shall be quarantining of those coming from hotpots countries. It is expected that the operators ensure that there is strict adherence to preventive measures and limit the number of clients in their shops to maintain physical distancing.

Failure to adhere will result in withdrawal of licences and arrest. Health inspectors and law enforcement agents will move around and monitor compliance.

There will be daily updates and people are prohibited from travelling to hotspots of which targeted lockdown might follow if measures fail to yield results.

As at 12 June 2021, Zimbabwe had 39, 852 confirmed cases, including 36 992 recoveries and 1 632 deaths. A total of 692 180 people have been vaccinated against Covid-19, with Victoria Falls achieving herd immunity following roll-out of mass vaccination.