By Shongedzai Mugwagwa
The Zimbabwe Medical Association (ZiMA) has implored Government to lock down the country for 14 days to prevent the sporadic infection of the Coronavirus in the country, the Harare Post can report.
The recommendation comes on the heels of a first recorded COVID-19 induced death of Zororo Makamba, son to Telecel founder, James Makamba who passed away on Monday, this week. Relatedly, Government has confirmed a third case of the COVID-19 of someone who came into contact with the deceased, Zororo.
Due to the genesis of local transmission of the pandemic, ZiMA has urged Government to immediately act on some of the recommendations they have raised as the Medical fraternity.
“Make public places safe. There is need for government to ensure that there is minimal movement, non-essential public spaces closed and all borders sealed for visitors. There is need for a minimum 14 day lockdown. This recommendation ought to be implemented sooner rather than later,” said ZiMA National Secretary General, Dr Sacrifice Chirisa.
Dr Chirisa further urges Government to consider turning some big hospitals into COVID-19 centers.
“We recommend that either Parirenyatwa Hospital or Harare Hospital in Harare and either UBH or Mpilo Hospitals be designated COVID-19 Care Centres. It is our considered opinion that these centres need minimal refurbishment to ensure that basic ICU equipment is functional. The other central hospitals to remain open for other medical emergencies which are not COVID-19 related,” recommended Dr Chirisa.
ZiMA has applauded Government for the measures put in place in the fight against the global pandemic which has literally shut down the global economies as all countries are under complete or partial lockdown as casualties in Europe are surging exponentially.
Dr Chirisa said the Medical Association pledged its support to fight the pandemic given that Government avails the much needed Personal Protective Clothing (PPE).
He said that the Doctors were willing to put patients’ lives first given the working conditions are spruced up as a matter of urgency.
“Doctors are willing to help all, provided appropriate Protective Personnel Equipment is availed and appropriate support i.e food, communication rest room etc are provided as they will also be quarantined once they get into contact with patients,” he added.
Dr Chirisa further implores all companies in the line business of manufacturing alcohol and ethanol products to shift their focus into producing more hand sanitisers.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa is on record appealing to everyone to play their part in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic as he announced new measures—closing all borders except for cargo and returning citizens, reduced number of gatherings to 50 from 100, signs into law a deterrent penalty of a one year jail term for those attending gatherings exceeding the stipulated number, upholding social distancing and banning operationalization of night clubs and bars.
