Staff Reporter

.....as preventative measures bear fruit

 The country continues to record a decline in daily COVID-19 infections with less than 1 000 cases recorded in the past seven days as compared to more than 1700 the previous week.

Statistics released by the Ministry of Health and Child Care this Sunday, reveal that only 45 COVID-19 infections were recorded, bringing the total number of cases to 229 460.

Deaths have also significantly dropped with a total 5 337 Covid-19 related deaths recorded in the country since the pandemic began.

COVID-19 preventative measures by the Government coupled with the vaccination exercise have produced positive outcomes as predicted by health experts, as a result the country has recorded a sharp decline in COVID-19 cases, deaths and hospitalisations in January.

Zimbabwe has so far administered 4 267 550 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, 3 296 368 second doses and 55 381 third doses.

On Friday, the government relaxed lockdown measures, opened more sectors and extended business operating hours following the decline in Covid 19 cases.

“The school calendar starts on 7 February 2022, following one week of finalising all reopening preparations by both school administrators and parents. The business community to go back to working from their offices whilst continuing to observe COVID-19 prevention measures such as social distancing and also continue to encourage their employees and patrons to get vaccinated,” said Acting President Constantine Chiwenga while announcing the new lockdown measures.

The Acting President further noted that Curfew shall now begin at midnight (0000hrs) and end at 0530 hours the following day, while Restaurants and hotels offering catering services shall operate from 0800 hours and close at 2200 hours and allow sit-ins only for fully vaccinated persons.

The Acting President added that, bars and nightclubs will be open from 0800 hours to 2200 hours for vaccinated persons only.  Health authorities however, continued to advocate for vaccination as the only proven method to contain the virus, amid calls for people to remain vigilant as the virus is still a threat.