Staff Reporter
Government has given the green light for all sporting activities in the country to resume with strict adherence to the Covid 19 regulations.
Briefing the media after the 29th Cabinet meeting in Harare yesterday, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, said cinemas and theatres are now allowed to have 50 percent sitting capacity for vaccinated clients only.
“Following representations from the various sectors of the economy, Cabinet resolved and wishes to inform the nation as follows: that cinemas and theatres can now allow 50 percent sitting capacity of vaccinated clients and that all workers should be vaccinated, that national arts galleries across the country be opened to vaccinated clients only and that all workers should be vaccinated.
“To allow the resumption of sporting activities subject to strict observance of Covid 19 prevention measures and protocols, attendant staff should also be vaccinated,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
The Minister added that for all local activities in which participants are below the age of 14, they shall be checked for Covid 19 symptoms. She further announced that gymnasia, health spas and fitness centres will be allowed to open only to those who have been vaccinated.
Minister Mutsvangwa said that quarantine for travelers from countries hit by the Covid 19 Delta variant will no longer be necessary as the strain is now dominant in Zimbabwe.
According to Minister Mutsvangwa, Government has launched Operation Marah meant to drive upward uptake of jabs among the church. The churches can now call on Government vaccination teams to vaccinate members against the Covid 19.
The Minister reiterated that the vaccination programme was a free service to the nation and as such all private health institutions should not charge those wishing to access the service.
Minister Mutsvangwa added that Cabinet noted a 30 percent decrease in the number of infections, with 1 785 cases having been recorded during the week under review, compared to the 2 564 reported the previous week. She said the decrease in infections reflects that the infection control measures being implemented by Government are yielding results.
As of yesterday, the country had 124 773 confirmed cases, including 113 057 recoveries and 4 419 deaths. To date, a total of 2 582 705 people have been vaccinated against Covid 19.
