Harare, (New Ziana) – More Zimbabwean companies and institutions on Monday reported cases of Covid-19 infections which have seen them temporarily halting operations in a development that is expected to take a heavy toll on the economy.

Observers say the jump mainly point to a failure by the public to
follow laid down regulations concerning hygiene, wearing of masks and
social distancing, prompting a wildfire spread of local infections of
the disease.

As of July 26, Zimbabwe had recorded 2 512 confirmed cases of the
disease which has so far killed 34 people in the country.

Local transmission accounts for 1 486 of the infections while 1 026
were imported.

On Monday, pension fund, the National Social Security Authority
(NSSA), the Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe (NSSA), Pick
’n Pay, Avenues Clinic and the Parliament of Zimbabwe joined the
growing list of institutions that have recorded positive cases of
Covid-19.

“The results so far have revealed six positive samples amongst our
staff members,” the IBDZ said, adding it would close its office
in Harare for three days to allow for disinfection.

NSSA said on employee had tested positive forcing, the closure of its
Harare head office.

Two Parliamentarians tested positive, Speaker of the National Assembly
Jacob Mudenda said, while at the Avenues Clinic, at least eight staff
members were said to have been infected.

A long list of firms including Econet, retailer OK Zimbabwe, Federal
Express, medical aid societies Cimas and PSMAS have already closed
part of their operations after employees were affected.

Government has tightened lockdown regulations to curtail unnecessary
citizens’ movement to reduce the spread of the disease but cases
continue to spike owing largely to disregard of health regulations
that have been put in place.
New Ziana