Hwange(New Ziana) – Authorities in Matabeleland North Province said on Wednesday Mosi oa Tunya High School had been designated a Covid-19 quarantine centre for residents returning home via Victoria Falls.
Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Richard Moyo said the facility will be used to hold returnees for 21 days as required by law.
It is one of several that authorities in the province had set up as the country gears up its readiness to combat the pandemic which has infected millions around the world.
“The province has also completed to identify isolation centres in all our districts and resource mobilisation is continuing in all our districts,” he said.
The Ministry of Public Service, Labor and Social Welfare is responsible for the upkeep of those quarantined.
Moyo said the enforcement of the 21 day lockdown was going on well in the province, with few arrests for breaches.
Meanwhile,Treasury has released $2.7 million to the province for COVID-19 response. Of this amount, $1,7 million was given to the Provincial Medical Director’s Office, and Victoria Falls Municipality getting the balance.
On the other hand, the Office of the President and Cabinet was given $200 000.00 to co-ordinate the COVID-19 response in the province.
Moyo acknowledged support from local companies in Matabeleland North, as well as various Covid-19 task-forces spearheading the response to the pandemic.
Among the corporate donors is Hwange Colliery Company Limited (HCCL) which made available Number 1 North Clinic as an in-transit isolation centre where COVID-19 confirmed cases shall be housed prior transfer to Thorngrove Hospital in Bulawayo.
The HCCL managing director, Charles Zinyemba said the company was ready to do more to help the country cope with the pandemic.
“We will go further and add on to Government recommendations to try and further protect our workforce and community. We have held meetings with other organizations within the district to facilitate collaboration in our approach to the COVID-19 response,” he said.
“It is against this background that all preventive measures be taken seriously to curb transmission. As HCCL we have put in place a raft of mitigation measures in line with COVID-19 National Preparedness and Response Plan.”
New Ziana
