by Christopher Makaza

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa yesterday said it was Government’s duty to safeguard travelers’ safety by ensuring that proper measures are taken to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Minister Mutsvangwa said this during her tour of the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International (RGM) Airport yesterday where, she observed that strict COVID-19 measures have been put in place at the RGM airport to provide a safe environment for both internal and external travelers.

“It is our duty that we assure our travelers both domestic and international, of the measures that have been taken here at the RGM International airport to make sure we contain the spread of this pandemic.

“This is a serious pandemic. We take it seriously as a country. A lot of measures have been put in place and we would like to continue making sure that our public adhere to these measures,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

Minister Mutsvangwa further said that travelers who come into the country without the COVID-19 free certificate are now able to be tested at the airport and get their results within two and half hours.

“The tour has given us confidence, as we speak to our public to assure them that your health is prioritised and the airport has put sufficient measures to contain the spread of this disease. Those who come without the COVID-19 free certificate have the opportunity to be tested right here at the airport and that process has been reduced to just two-and-a-half hours, some are saying two hours,” added Minister Mutsvangwa.

Minister Mutsvangwa who was led on the tour by Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) board chairman, Mr Dave Popatlal and ACZ acting director-general Mr Tawanda Gusha, also got a chance to observe processes for both arrivals and departures.

Since the resumption of international flights on 1 October this month, RGM airport is yet to receive a COVID-19 infected person.

To date, about five airlines are flying into the country since the easing of the lockdown restrictions by Government.