By Derick Tsimba
Briefing the Cabinet yesterday, the Minister of Defence and War Veterans Affairs said the country now had six thousand three hundred and eighty-eight (6 388) confirmed COVID-19 cases compared to the five thousand six hundred and forty-three (5 643) reported last week.
Minister of Defence and War Veterans Affairs, Honourable Opah Muchinguri-Kashiri, who is also Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Inter-Ministerial Task Force on, COVID-19, said Harare had the highest number of cases with 2 532, followed by Bulawayo with 1 271.
“The country now has six thousand three hundred and eighty-eight (6 388) confirmed COVID-19 cases compared to the five thousand six hundred and forty-three (5 643) reported last week. Of these confirmed cases, five thousand and seventy-eight (5 078) are attributed to local transmission. Harare has the highest number of cases with 2 532, followed by Bulawayo with 1 271,” she said.
In a post-Cabinet press briefing, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said, “Government regrets to inform the Nation that deaths due to COVID-19 are now 202. Recoveries, on the other hand, increased to 5 043 from the previously recorded 4 525, while active cases have increased to 1 150.
“Cabinet acknowledged that despite the surge in positive local cases, the majority of the cases of local transmission are mild to moderate, with a recovery rate of about 80%. Most of these cases are managed at home and in isolation facilities. The national testing strategy however will continue to prioritise the testing of all health care workers and other frontline personnel, inclusive of public transport drivers,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.
Harare Post is aware that Government is finalizing on modalities for the re-opening of Airports to support the resumption of the Tourism Sector. The plan is to start with the resumption of domestic flights and then move to international flights. Cabinet approved the resumption of the rest of tourism operations including boat operations.
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is continuing with its preparations for the re-opening of schools for the end of year 2020 final examination classes. The schools opening dates are scheduled for 14 September 2020 for Cambridge Examinations classes and 28 September 2020 for Zimsec Examination classes. Cabinet approved that the Zimsec Examinations should start on 1 December, 2020. The Ministry is working closely with other Ministries and stakeholders to guarantee the safety of pupils and staff during the examinations period. Standard Operating Procedures have been distributed to all schools, the Harare Post has learnt.
