Harare (New Ziana)-Zimbabwe on Monday announced the closure of its borders to non- essential human traffic in a bid to curb the spread of Covid-19 virus.

Addressing the media in the wake of the country’s first Covid-19 death, President Mnangagwa announced a series of more stringent measures to ‘keep pace’ with the pandemic’s global trends with a view to strengthening the country’s defences.

“We have decided to ban non essential travel and traffic, both in bound and out bound except for the movement of cargo. We will close all our borders to human traffic. This however will not affect returning residents.

“Screening of essential traffic will continue to be enforced strictly in line with the best practice and guidelines prescribed by the World Health Organisation,” he said.

He said public gatherings would be reduced to 50 from 100 while entertainment and sporting events have been banned.

Government also banned non essential in country travel.

Hospital visits have also been reduced to one visitor per patient per day while non essential visits to informal markets are discouraged.

“We will first screen all entrants and exit from these markets. If we deem it fit, we will close them,” said President Mnangagwa.

The President also encouraged employers to allow workers to work from home.

“Wherever possible, government is encouraging the use of automated electronic services to minimise human contact,” he said.

He said mass public transport operators must screen passengers for coronavirus and decontaminate their vehicles frequently.

The President also said Government would release funds to adequately resource the country’s health institutions to manage the virus.

“Now is the time to show resolve on the part of us all. Together we will pull through this challenge,” said President Mnangagwa.

New Ziana