by Staff reporter
Cabinet has allowed Driving Schools, Traffic Safety Council and the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) to resume operations while considering re-opening of Casinos as they are also a critical sector of the economy.
This was said by Minister of Defence and War Veterans Affairs, who is the Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Inter-Ministerial Task Force on the COVID-19 Outbreak, Minister Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri, while giving an update on the COVID-19 outbreak during the 7th cabinet meeting held in the capital yesterday.
“Cabinet would like to inform the nation that it has given the greenlight to driving schools, the Traffic Safety Council and the Vehicle Inspection Department to resume operations under strict adherence to approved standard procedures and WHO guidelines for the prevention of transmission of COVID-19,” said the Minister.
Minister Muchinguri Kashiri revealed that the Government was working with relevant authorities for the resumption of Casinos as they also play a pivotal role in the country’s economy.
“Request for the re-opening of casinos after a long period of closure is under consideration by Government, given the critical role played by that sector in the economy. Government in conjunction with the sector is currently working on modalities for a safe resumption of activities in that sector,” said Minister Muchinguri Kashiri.
Cabinet was informed that as at 19 March 2021, Zimbabwe’s cumulative COVID-19 cases stood at 36 652, with 34 249 recoveries and 1 510 deaths. The recovery rate stands at 93,4 per cent, with 34 930 cases of COVID-19 attributable to local transmission. Currently, there are 893 active cases.
The Minister said as the nation approaches the Easter holidays, Cabinet notes that there is a likelihood of increased internal and cross border movement of people, which may provide fertile ground for increased transmission. In that regard, the Ministry of Health and Child Care is strengthening surveillance, case management, and risk communication and community engagement in anticipation of the Easter holidays.
“Special attention will be accorded to ports of entry and exit,” she said.
