Health Reporter
…As Covid19 cases surge
Government has activated level 4 lockdown measures, to contain further spread of the Covid19 pandemic. This follows a continued rise in cases of locally transmitted infections, as a result of a relaxed approach to Covid19 regulations by the citizens.
Speaking during the 22nd Post Cabinet Briefing, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa, advised the nation of a surge in Covid19 infections while stating Government initiatives to mitigate further spread.
“The nation is informed that the surge reported the previous week continued, with a total of 8 042 cases recorded during the period under review, compared to 3 882 reported the previous week. This represents a 107% increase.
“As you might be aware the country is now under Level 4 lockdown, following the surge of Covid19 Cases,” Minister Mutsvanga said.
Minister Mutsvanga made mention of the worst affected provinces in the country, while informing on Government initiative to put an end to the relentless spread of the Covid19 infections.
“The worst affected provinces are Mashonaland West (2 114), Mashonaland Cetral (2 957), Harare Metropolitan (1 041), Mashonaland East (847) and Midlands (848).
“Regarding case management, infection, prevention and control, the Ministry of Health and Child Care remains seized with managing Covid19 cases detected in different parts of the country. Companies and Universities have enough raw materials to increase production of PPE stocks and medicines which are used to manage Covid19 symptoms,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
Schools have been advised to put in place all the necessary requirements that make it safe for the reopening of schools for the second term.
Minister Mutsvangwa said, “With regard to primary and secondary education, the nation is advised that in preparation for the opening of schools for the Second Term, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, has instituted the following contingency measures; inspection visits being carried out to assess the state of preparedness at all boarding schools, high enrolment day schools and schools with very limited infrastructure; Ensuring adequate WASH provisions at every school; Completion of Covid19 Infection Prevention and Control training workshops for teaching and non-teaching staff and confirmation of Covid19 essential supplies in all districts.”
Meanwhile, to minimise loss of learning time for the students as previously experienced in the 1st and 2nd Covid19 waves in 2020, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is working on the modalities to enable a blend of face to face classroom learning and remote learning from home and communities, as well as enhancing e-learning, radio and television learning.
