Zimbabwe concerned about increase in coronavirus cases over the past three weeks

Zimbabwe today expressed concern over the rising number of coronavirus cases over the past three weeks and reiterated that lockdown and curfew measures to curb the pandemic were still in place.

It said so as the country recoded  one death in Bulawayo today and 90 new cases with only 9 recoveries raising the total number of cases to 9 398 and that of recoveries to 8 297.

The number of active cases rose to 827 up from 230 at the beginning of this month.

The bulk of the cases are in Bulawayo which has 233 followed by Matebeleland North with 195. Mashonaland West had 48 new cases today and now has 102 active cases while Harare rose to 91.

The national death toll is now 274 while that for Bulawayo is 79.

Zimbabwe today said that a number of coronavirus cases had been reported at schools following the full-reopening but it did not want a repeat of what happened at John Tallach School in Matebeleland North where 184 pupils have been found to be positive.

To minimise the recurrence of what happened at John Tallach, the government was reviewing the maximum carrying capacity of all boarding hostels. It was conducting a detailed inspection of boarding facilities and was conducting training of hostel matrons, boarding masters as well as kitchen staff.

It said that the public should note that public bars, night clubs, beerhalls, casinos, betting shops and theatres are still not permitted to operate.

“The nation is informed that gatherings are still limited to two (2) persons, while authorised events such as weddings and church congregation as are limited to fifty (50) and one hundred (100) persons, respectively,” the government said in its cabinet brief.

“The enforcement of lockdown measures will be intensified henceforth. It should be emphasized that where there is non-compliance to these regulations the low enforcement agencies will not hesitate to enforce the penalties prescribed.

“With the festive season fast approaching, the public is advised to take all the necessary precautions to prevent a surge in COVID-19 positive cases. Those visiting the country should undergo COVID-19 tests in their countries of origin and bring valid COVID-19 negative results obtained within 48 hours of departure in line with WHO protocols.”

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