Staff Reporter
Lockdown in Kwekwe has been extended by a further two weeks following an increase in Covid-19 cases, with the Indian Variant detected in some of the cases.
The announcement was made by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa during the 18th Post Cabinet Media Briefing yesterday.
The first two weeks local lockdown was imposed by Government last month, with a view to containing the spread of Covid-19 variant B.1.617 first detected in India, when a resident of the Midlands capital died after being infected by the new strain.
“The nation is informed that Cabinet has approved that the lockdown in Kwekwe be extended by a further two weeks. The development comes in the wake of a surge in positive cases in Kwekwe, which to date has 74 cumulative cases, 70 active cases, 3 recoveries and 1 death. It is highlighted that the Indian Variant has been detected in some of the new cases,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
“The public is advised that efforts to ensure the availability of doses continue as a matter of priority. The Ministry of Health and Child Care is redistributing existing stocks to ensure availability of the second dose. A batch of 500 000 doses of vaccine is expected in the country by 15th of June, 2021,” she added.
As of 7th of June 2021, a total of 688 696 people had received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccines and 385 275 their second dose across the country.
As at 7 June, 2021, Zimbabwe’s cumulative COVID-19 cases stood at 39 238, with 36 746 recoveries and 1 611 deaths. The recovery rate stands at 94%, with 96.2% of COVID-19 positive cases being attributable to local transmission. The number of active cases stands at 881.
Under case management, Minister Mutsvangwa advised the nation that the Ministry of Health and Child Care continues to work tirelessly in managing cases of COVID-19 detected in different parts of the country, including in colleges and schools.
“The management of the outbreak at Bondolfi Teachers College and adjacent areas continued throughout the week. In a related development, a total of 27 new cases have been confirmed from 56 residents tested at Maryward Children’s Home and Secondary School in Kwekwe District. Cabinet was informed that the cumulative number of COVID-19 positive cases detected through school surveillance during the First Term of 2021 stands at 868, of which 808 have recovered. There are 57 active cases still under management,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Minister informed that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has banned the use of schools for holiday lessons during the three week break that commenced on the 4 June 2021.
“It is envisaged that the ban will allow thorough cleaning and disinfection of the school environment and this reduces the spread of COVID-19. Learning will continue through alternative platforms, including self-study guides that will facilitate learners to continue their school work at their homes. Meanwhile, the training of staff on COVID-19 prevention will continue during this break,” said the Minister.
Relatedly Minister Mutsvangwa revealed that St Annes Hospital has reopened to the public for treatment and management of general medical and surgical conditions. The hospital had closed for repairs and maintenance in February 2016, only to reopen in August 2020 offering treatment and care services for COVID-19 patients only.
