(Last Updated on March 1, 2021 by GERALD NCUBE)
HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa today announced a review of the national lockdown measures which saw most of the existing regulations relaxed following the recent decrease in Covid-19 positive cases and deaths in the country.
Addressing the nation from the State House, President Mnangagwa said the country should remain alert and on guard despite the positive momentum currently being witnessed.
“Going forward, the following review is made to previously announced lockdown measures. The wearing of masks, temperature checks as well as the washing of hands or the use of sanitisers in all public areas remain mandatory. The curfew is adjusted and will now be from 10 pm to 5.30 in the morning. Letters are no longer required for movement.
“Supermarkets can now remain open up to 7 pm to reduce congestion and must enforce social distancing within their premises. Industry to open with strict adherence to WHO set standards and National Covid-19 guidelines, as such the regular disinfection of the premises, social distancing, hand sanitisation and use of body temperature checks at entrances will continue,” said Mnangagwa.
He added that all those found not complying with the set regulations will be closed.
“Noncompliance in this regard will attract targeted closures of such entities. As per the previous announcement, SME’s, food markets and the informal sectors can reopen on condition that they strictly adhere to the WHO set standards and national Covid-19 guidelines. Schools must prepare to open and put in place which observes the WHO guidelines and national Covid-19 guidelines,” he added.
He urged virtual learning to continue where possible while adding that tertiary education institutions should also prepare to reopen.
Inter-city travel has been given the green light to resume with bus operators advised to put in preventive measures which include wearing of masks, temperature checks, sanitisation and disinfection of the buses.
Funeral gatherings remain pegged at 30 people while other social gatherings should not exceed 50 people.
Restaurants to continue operating for takeaways and deliveries, with sit-ins still prohibited while bars, beer halls, night clubs and gymnasiums remain closed. Bottle stores strictly operate for takeaway sales only.
Zimbabwe was on a strict level four national lockdown since the 5th of March after the country witnessed a sharp spike of Covid-19 cases during the festive season.
For the past two days, the country has recorded zero Covid-19 related deaths.
Mnangagwa urged citizens to remain cautious and adhere to the set regulations as the fight against the pandemic continues.
To date, 36 089 positive cases and 1463 deaths have been recorded in the country since the first case in March last year.
The vaccination programme was rolled out last week as the country sets its sights on an ambitious target of vaccinating 10 million people to achieve herd immunity.