Staff Reporter
Yesterday Zimbabwe received 1million Sinovac vaccines from China, taking the country's total number of vaccines from its own purchase and donations to 11.8 million.
Commenting after the delivery, the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe on its Twitter handle posted, “Another 1 million Chinese vaccines arrive. In the recent five days, China successfully delivered 2.5 million vaccines to its all weather friend Zimbabwe. Vaccination is the only way out of the pandemic. Let's work together towards herd immunity.”
Speaking during a Post Cabinet Press Briefing in Harare yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa informed the nation that as of 13 September, 2021, a total of 2 856 955 persons had received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while 1 894 780 had received the second dose.
“This translates to a national coverage of 33.4% and 21.9% for the first and second doses, respectively. Cabinet is concerned about the low uptake of the vaccine in Mashonaland Central and Chitungwiza Town and every effort is being made to encourage citizens to be vaccinated as this is for the good of us all,” said Minister Mutsvangwa,
The Minister noted that there was a 35% decrease in the number of infections with 719 cases having been recorded during the week under review, compared to the 1 113 reported the previous week. She said that this was a reflection that the infection prevention and control measures are yielding results. She urged citizens to remain vigilant and adhere to measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
With regards to churches, Minister Mutsvangwa said Cabinet resolved that only vaccinated congregants can attend and should be limited to 50% of the holding capacity of the Church.
“Persuant to the previous announcement that all civil servants should be vaccinated, Cabinet further resolved that no unvaccinated civil servants will be allowed to come to work,” she added.
While Cabinet previously approved the resumption of low risk sporting activities, it has further resolved that all sport codes can resume. Their operating hours have been adjusted to between 0600-2000 hours in order to accommodate the working population.
Meanwhile, as at 14 September 2021, Zimbabwe had 126 817 confirmed cases, including 119 216 recoveries and 4 550 deaths.
