by Innocent Mujeri
Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa has urged Zimbabweans not to relax, but to be cautious as the COVID-19 pandemic is still far from over.
Speaking at a media brief yesterday, Minister Mutsvangwa said the COVID-19 pandemic has to date claimed 222 lives in Zimbabwe and people should do whatever is necessary to safeguard their lives from the disease.
“As we continue to ease our lockdown measures, we need to bear in mind that we are not over the hill yet. We have so far lost 222 of our fellow Zimbabweans to COVID-19 as of the 11th of September 2020. The most affected Provinces are the Metropolitan Provinces of Harare and Bulawayo,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
Minister Mutsvangwa also said Government has intensified efforts to fully equip COVID-19 isolation centres, so that they can cope with any potential spike in infections.
“In light of these high death numbers, Government will continue to prepare our facilities so as to be able to cope with any potential spike in infections.
“Therefore, as of the 13th of September 2020, planned works at 11 isolation centres had been completed with funding from Government and/or well-wishers,” added Minister Mutsvangwa.
According to Minister Mutsvangwa, various COVID-19 isolation centres that include Wilkins Infectious Diseases Hospital, Parirenyatwa Hospital ,Victoria Falls Beat Aids,Rujeko Clinic ,Mashava Gaths Mine Hospital, Beitbridge and Plumtree District Hospitals had been fully equipped to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other centres that had also been equipped to deal with the pandemic are Chinengundu Clinic, Chipadze Training Center and Guruve District Hospital in Mashonaland Central Province.
Minister Mutsvangwa also briefed journalists that the majority of positive cases reported in Zimbabwe had been mild and as such had not required hospitalization. As at 11 September 2020, a total of 148 cases were admitted to treatment facilities, while the rest of the confirmed cases were isolating at home.
Senator Mutsvangwa also cautioned Zimbabweans not to treat the gradual opening of the economy, as a signal to the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As we gradually open the economy, we need to remember that we are doing this, while taking all necessary precautions to fight the invisible enemy, COVID-19. The easing of lockdown restrictions is not an indication that we have defeated this pandemic, but we are a nation seeking to balance between our economic interests and the protection of life,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
Meanwhile, Senator Mutsvangwa added that plans for the reopening of the Victoria Falls International Airport are at an advanced stage. The readiness of other ports of entry is under assessment and the nation will be advised accordingly.
On the sale of liquor, Minister Mutsvangwa said the sale and consumption of liquor by licensees is in three categories. The categories include licensees that may sell liquor to customers for consumption off the premises during licensed hours and these include wholesalers, wine producers and bottle stores.
The other category is that of licensees who may sell liquor to customers for consumption on the premises during licensed hours and these include restaurants, airports, recreational park areas, houseboats, camps and caravan parks.
Lastly, the third category is that of licensees that may sell liquor to customers for consumption on premises during licensed hours and these include casinos and theaters.
Minister Mutsvangwa also said that Government had extended operation hours for the retail, wholesale and service businesses from 8am -4.30pm to 6.30am – 6.30pm starting from today.
