Govt sets up new Covid-19 testing centres

Harare (New Ziana) – Cabinet on Tuesday resolved to urgently decentralise Covid-19 testing facilities to enable wider testing for the disease, Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa has said.

Currently, only the National Microbiology Reference Laboratory in Harare does the tests for Covid-19.

Although the laboratory has capacity to test 400 samples per day, concerns have been raised about the efficacy of relying on one testing facility.

To remedy this, Cabinet at its Tuesday meeting directed the immediate setting up of testing facilities in other parts of the country.

“In order to expedite the process of testing for Covid-19, Cabinet resolved that the setting up of testing, treatment and isolation centres in provinces and districts be expedited as a matter of urgency,” she said.

“(Cabinet also resolved) that owing to the shortage of appropriate structures in some areas, tents will be used as temporary testing, treatment and isolation centres and that the Ministry of Health and Child Care shall procure more rapid results test kits for the newly established testing centres.”

Mutsvangwa said Cabinet also considered and approved a report on the country’s preparedness and response to the Coronavirus outbreak which was presented by Vice President Mohadi, in his capacity as Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Task Force on the COVID-19 Outbreak.

She said Cabinet had also commended the general public for abiding by the 21 day national lockdown declaration.

“Cabinet was (also) apprised by the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Chairman of the Food and Water Sustainability Sub Committee that three places of safety for the vulnerable and homeless children and families had been established, namely at Mt Hampden, Jamaica Inn, and Beatrice Rehabilitation Centre. Furthermore, Government was exploring options of reopening some hotels as Isolation Centres. In addition, where necessary Covid-19 affected persons are being supported through provision of basic necessities,” she said.
New Ziana