COVID-19 deaths go up

Harare (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe recorded nine COVID-19 deaths on Thursday, as the country continues to see a surge in infections, the Ministry of Health and Child Care has said.

The Ministry said the country had also recorded 130 new infections on the same day,

Consequently, the Ministry said the seven day rolling average for new cases rose to 131 from 129 the previous day.

“All 130 are local cases. Deaths reported Harare (2), Bulawayo (2), Manicaland (1), Mashonaland East (1), Mashonaland West (2) and Masvingo (1),” the Ministry said.

“55 new recoveries reported, national recovery rate stands at 80.7 percent and active cases go up to 2133 today (Thursday). As of 24December, Zimbabwe has now recorded 12 786 cases, 10 314 recoveries and 339 deaths.”

Meanwhile, the government urged Zimbabweans remain vigilant against the disease in the face of a second wave.

In a statement on Thursday, the National Taskforce on Covid-19 said the threat posed by COVID-19 had increased with the discovery of a new variant of the virus in neighbouring South Africa.

The new variant has been noted to spread quicker.

“Now more than ever we need to practice protective and preventive measures such as wearing our masks in public spaces, washing or sanitizing our hands, and physical distancing.

“The National Taskforce on COVID-19 continues to monitor the situation in the country especially in view of high traffic flows during the festive season. High level meetings have been held between Zimbabwe and South Africa, as part of efforts to address challenges and ensure the smooth flow of traffic at Beit Bridge border post,” read the statement.

“We have come so far and despite our losses, we have continued to be resilient. Let us keep up our fighting spirit, as this is the only way we can win the war against COVID-19.”
New Ziana