Health Ministry dispels COVID-19 outbreak rumours

Harare (New Ziana) – The Ministry of Health and Child Care has dispelled weekend rumours of an outbreak of COVID-19 in the country following the death of a Chinese national who had exhibited symptoms.

The Chinese national, based in the eastern city of Mutare, had recently returned from China where the first outbreak of COVID-19 was reported in December last year.

The victim returned to Zimbabwe from China in Janaury, complaining of shortness of breath, one of the typical COVID-19 symptoms.

She was referred for examination from Mutare to Wilkins Hospital in Harare where COVID-19 quarantine and treatment facilities have been set up, but died on the way.

The death sparked rumours and fears the Chinese national had been stricken by the disease, which might have been undetected by health authorities despite elaborate screening measures set up at ports of entry.

But the Ministry of Health and Child Care said post mortem examination showed the Chinese woman was COVID-19 free, and her illness and subsequent death was unrelated to the disease.

Health Minister Obadiah Moyo said an outbreak, if it occurred in the country, would not been hidden in the interest of public health, and also as part of the country’s obligation to global health authorities.

“There is no reason why we should hide such a condition of international importance,” he said.

The reality of COVID-19 has hit home in Zimbabwe in recent days after neighbouring South Africa last week confirmed cases of the disease, the first country in the sub-region.

Because of heavy cross-border movement of people between the two countries, this has raised fears it was just a matter of time before COVID-19 hits Zimbabwe.

But health authorities, who have set up three COVID-19 quarantine and treatment centres in Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls, have repeatedly assured the public no case of the disease has yet been reported in the country.

COVID-19 has spread rapidly around the world since its outbreak in China last December, and now over a million cases have been reported in virtually all continents, particularly Asia and Europe.

In China, it has killed over 3 000 people, while in Italy, over 200 have died and top public officials – including politicians and army generals – have also been stricken by COVID-19.
The Italian government at the weekend quarantined more than 20 million people in several provinces in a desperate bid to contain the spread of the virus.

New Ziana