Zimbabwe tests nearly 1 200 for coronavirus in a single day

Zimbabwe yesterday tested 1 194 people for the coronavirus across the country and they were all negative.

Positive cases therefore remain at 24, including three deaths and two recoveries.

According to the Ministry of Health some 347 were tested in Harare alone yesterday, 189 in Mashonaland East, 179 in Matebeleland South, 130 in Manicaland and 116 in the Midlands.

So far 2 493 people have been tested.

The ministry said case 24 was a 27-year-old man from Harare who returned from the United Kingdom on 13 April and was put under quarantine. He was diagnosed positive yesterday.

Bulawayo has the highest number of positive cases at 10 followed by Harare with nine and Mashonaland East with four.

The government declared a 21-day national lockdown which began on 30 March and is expected to end at midnight tomorrow.

It has not yet indicated whether it will be extending the lockdown or not.

While health experts want the lockdown extended because the country does not meet the criteria set by the World Health Organisation to lift restrictions, business says the country cannot afford any extension.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa said he will review the situation on 20 or 21 April after meeting his cabinet.

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