Covid-19 cases rising

Harare (New Ziana)-At least 3 234 Covid-19 cases were reported in the country this week, up from 2 623 recorded last week, a Cabinet Minister said on Tuesday.

Briefing journalists after this week’s Cabinet meeting, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the number of people in need of hospitalization for Covid-19 also increased.

“The following areas recorded the most significant number of new cases: Manicaland (863), Mashonaland East (609), Masvingo (584) and Mashonaland West (378).

“Cabinet reports that during the week under review, the number of people in need of hospitalization for COVID-19 increased. The bed occupancy rate increased from 2.0 percent last week to 3.2 percent.

“A total of eighty-one (81) new admissions were recorded during the week compared to fifty-one (51) last week. No patient was admitted in the intensive care unit during the week,” said Mutsvangwa.

She said while there were reported cases in schools, there were no severe cases and no reported hospital admission.

She said the rise in Covid-19 cases is a result of the relaxation of restrictions which has seen large number of people gathering in recent weeks.

“It is reported that an increase in mobility and number of gatherings across the country following the relaxation of the COVID-19 restrictions contributed to the increase in cases.

“Cabinet advises that as the country continues to relax COVID-19 restrictions, risk based COVID-19 prevention measures must be promoted.

“Furthermore, all businesses, communities and individuals are encouraged to pay attention to all COVID-19 prevention measures during gatherings. All COVID-19 regulations should continue to be strictly adhered to,” said Mutsvangwa.

On the national vaccination programme, as of 6 March, 2022, a total of 4 373 737 first doses had been administered, with 3 407 979 people having received their second dose and 140 252 their third dose.
New Ziana