by Shongedzai Mugwagwa

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has with immediate effect banned all Government employees from travelling outside the continent so as to minimise exposure to the fast spreading contagious Covid 19 disease, The Harare Post can report.

In his opening remarks at the Zanu PF 337 Politburo Ordinary Session, President Mnangagwa said that the Ministry of Health and Child Care together with associated departments are prepared to handle any Covid-19 related cases.

He however said that he pleads with the public to consider not travelling outside the continent too so as to minimise exposure to the pandemic disease.

“The Ministry of Health and Child Care together with associated departments are adequately prepared to handle any possible cases of Covid-19. We continue to urge our people to minimise the risk of exposure.

“I have since restricted all Government employees from travelling outside the continent and l appeal to the citizens to consider the restriction so as to minimise exposure,” he said.

 Zimbabwe recorded two cases of possible Covid 19 cases from travellers both coming from China. The patients were whisked away from the Robert Mugabe international airport to Wilkins Hospital in Belvedere where further tests were carried out and both tested Covid-19 negative.

Apart from the two cases, the Ministry of Health and Child Care reported that they are putting under surveillance a lot of travellers who either way came from areas where Covid -19 cases were reported but assured the country that no Covid-19 cases have been detected in Zimbabwe.

Apart from the Health issues, President Mnangagwa urged the Politburo members to evaluate programs and projects outlined in the 2018 Election Manifesto as the party gears up for the 2023 elections.

“As you are aware, we are fast approaching the half way mark since we held our last elections. Each department of the party must revisit the Manifesto to measure our progress in the implementation of the programmes laid there in. We expect reports highlighting concrete milestones achieved to date. Those targets, within the Manifesto, that are lagging behind, must be highlighted and intervention strategies proffered. The party must deliver on its promises.”

“The 2023 Harmonised General Elections are just around the corner and we should now begin to intensify our preparations,” said President Mnangagwa.