By Staff Writer

Health expects have lauded government for a two week extension of the national lockdown on the back of lurking danger posed by mutating variants of Covid-19.

Though local infections and deaths continue to drop, buoyed by an increase in recovery rates, government remained cautious in handling the Covid-19 pandemic.

Nurses Council of Zimbabwe president, Enock Dongo said that though the figures point to a subsiding infections and deaths, health authorities’ decision to extend the lockdown by another two weeks is commendable.

“As of Monday, cases were at 68 and two deaths in the country. However, government has insisted on testing more people before easing regulations.

“While we would have wanted more testing to be done to inform a proper case management, government’s cautious approach is commendable,” he said.

Though there has been more focus on testing, Zimbabwe Doctors for Human Rights secretary general Norman Matara said government should start exploring post lockdown options.

“It is clear that cases are slowing. Health authorities should now be exploring post lockdown strategies. Now that we have received our first batch of vaccines, we need to map out a way of returning to the new normal.

“As we prepare to open up the economy, schools and the rest of activities, there is need for authorities to work on that strategy. But their cautious approach is commendable,” he said.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Monday extended the Covid-19 national lockdown. He however eased restrictions.

The dusk to dawn curfew was reviewed to 8pm to 5am. Business previously required to shut shop at 3pm can now operate till 6PM.

Government manning levels were also increased to 25 percent up from 10 percent presently reporting for work.

However, schools are to remain closed and intercity commuting is still prohibited. So are social gatherings.