Gvt brings cheer to bar owners and imbibers

Harare(New Ziana) – After more than a year of COVID-19 enforced closures, bars and nightclubs will re-open to vaccinated patrons only, while the country will remain under the current level two lockdown for a further two weeks, the government announced on Tuesday.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa told a Post Cabinet Briefing that President Emmerson Mnangagwa had extended the level 2 lockdown.
“Cabinet notes, with concern, that the continued closure of licensed bars and night clubs has caused not only a loss of income and unemployment but also resulted in the mushrooming of illegal outlets. Cabinet therefore directed that all licensed bars be opened to fully vaccinated clients,” she said.
“Bar owners are also required to ensure that the World Health Organisation and national protocols and guidelines are enforced, failure of which their licences will be withdrawn. The bars are also required to adhere to curfew hours.”
On the prevailing COVID-19 situation, Mutsvangwa said the number of new infections decreased during the week under review, despite the slight increase in new cases in learning institutions.
She said as at October 4, 2021, Zimbabwe’s cumulative COVID-19 cases stood at 131 205, with 123 947 recoveries and 4 627 deaths while active cases stood at 2 631.
“Regarding case management, infection, prevention and control, the number of people in need of hospitalization for COVID-19 continues to fall, with the country’s bed occupancy rate decreasing from 4.62 percent the previous week to 4.3 percent during the week under review,” she said.
“The nation is advised that in view of a potential fourth wave and the general complacency being experienced in most communities following the relaxation from Level 4 to Level 2 lockdown, implementation and enforcement of all Public Health and Social Measures will continue to be strengthened with a focus on vaccine rollout and awareness campaigns at public places and gatherings.”
New Ziana