Staff Reporter

Cabinet yesterday gave the green light to churches to conduct in-person services, allowing only fully vaccinated congregants to gather, adhering to Ministry of Health and Child Care and World Health Organisation (WHO) regulations.

Speaking during a Post Cabinet Media Briefing in Harare yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa said Cabinet resolved that only congregants who are fully vaccinated will be allowed to gather and that congregants should adhere to Ministry of Health and Child Care and World Health Organisation (WHO) measures meant to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

“Cabinet wishes to inform the public that churches can now allow sit-in congregants, only congregants who have received two doses of the vaccine are allowed to attend and that all Ministry of Health and Child Care and WHO protocols are adhered to,” she said.

Minister Mutsvangwa warned that those found violating the regulations will be arrested including the church leaders.

Minister Mutsvangwa said the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has redoubled efforts towards the targeted provision of tents, additional furniture, reliable water sources, ablution facilities, and the decongestion of teacher accommodation in preparation for the safe re-opening of schools.

She advised the nation that private companies, hotels and other institutions can access vaccines upon payment of the requisite fees to the Ministry of Health and Child Care.

The Minister noted that the number of infections decreased slightly during the week under review, with 6 781 cases recorded, compared to the 11 652 reported the previous week. This she said reflected a 42 % decrease, and indicated that the infection prevention and control measures are yielding results.

Meanwhile, the Minister reported that as of 10 August 2021, a total of one million nine hundred and twelve thousand five hundred and ninety two (1 912 592) persons had received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while one million and sixty- one thousand two hundred and thirty eight (1 061 238) had received the second dose which translates to a national coverage of 22.3% and 12.3% for the first and second doses, respectively.

As of 10 August 2021, there were one hundred and seventeen thousand, two hundred and fifty eight (117 258) cumulative positive cases, compared to the one hundred and nine thousand, five hundred and forty six (109 546) reported last week. The cumulative number of deaths reached 3 950, compared to the 3 583 reported last week.