By Taurai Mazwi

Government has allowed private quarantine places for returning residents who choose to pay.

This was said by Minister of Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa yesterday while presenting modalities surrounding the extension of the Level 2 lockdown measures before an Ad Hoc Inter-Ministerial Taskforce on COVID19.

Minister Mutsvangwa made reference to the Fifteenth Cabinet Decision Matrix which allowed private quarantine places for returnees willing to pay.  

“Following the Fifteenth Cabinet Decision Matrix which allowed private quarantine places for those who choose to pay, inspections have been carried out by the medical, social welfare and law enforcement officials of lodges, hotels and boarding houses to house returning residents. 

“Procedures for the use of privately paid accommodation as quarantine centres include that; all places for private quarantine should be licensed by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and be fully compliant, application for the use of premises as a quarantine centre is made to the Ministry of Health and Child Care by the owners and the hotels/lodges/boarding houses will be inspected by the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) and the security services,” she said.

Elaborating on the quarantine period for returning residents, Mutsvangwa said, “As pronounced by His Excellency, President ED Mnangagwa on Saturday 16 May, the 21 day mandatory quarantine period for returning Zimbabweans and legal residents remain in force. Returnees will be tested on Days 1, 8 and 21. If negative on Day 8, a returnee will be allowed to complete the remainder of the quarantine period in self-isolation at their home,” she said.

Speaking at the same event Minister Mutsvangwa further highlighted that Government has eased quarantine measures by allowing low risk sporting to take place, promulgated by Statutory Instrument 110 of 2020.

“Low risk sport includes archery, swimming, athletics, rowing, cycling, equestrian events, fencing, golf, gymnastics, motor sports/BMX, shooting, tennis, chess, darts, drafts or pool. Venues at which low risk sports take place must open between 8am and 4.30pm. Spectators should not exceed 50 people at these venues. Persons competing and spectating are to submit themselves for screening and testing for COVID19,” she said.

In the 15 decision matrix Government resolved that the returnees who offer to pay for themselves be allowed to do so on condition that the facility is secure and subject to inspection by health and security officials.