Gweru (New Ziana) – The Gweru City Council (GCC) has been given the green-light to turn the city’s Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) into a provisional isolation facility for suspected Covid-19 cases, an official has said.

Zimbabwe, which currently has two Covid-19 patients, has set up state of the art testing and quarantine facilities in Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls.

GCC public relations officer Vimbai Chigwaramuse said the Ministry of Health and Child Care had approved the move.

“Council has been given a go ahead by the Ministry of Health and Child Care to turn the IDH into an isolation centre for the prevailing disease around the world. We are currently mobilizing resources to refurbish it so that it can accommodate people suspected to have the virus,” she said.

The city’s health services director, Samson Sekenhamo said more than 338 travellers were currently being monitored for Covid-19 in the Midlands Province.

“More than 338 travellers are currently under surveillance with most of them being in Kwekwe and Gweru. 191 have completed the 21 days follow up process,” he said.

Acting Provincial Development Coordinator, Albiot Maronge urged people to be pro-active in fighting the disease.

“Preventing and stopping the spread of Coronavirus should be a responsibility of every citizen following the declaration by President Emmerson Mnangagwa last week that the global Covid-19 pandemic is a national disaster.

“We should do all we can in order not to get infected or stop the spread. Developed countries have advanced health facilities but are failing to deal with the Coronavirus outbreak, hence prevention is the only way out for this country,” he said.

“Sensitization programs have started from national level, provincial level and district level. We also look forward for community participation in reporting Covid-19 cases.”
New Ziana