Zim’s new Covid-19 infection cases up by 551 in past week

Harare, (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe recorded 1 079 new Covid-19 infections in the past seven days ending December 20, up 551 cases from the previous week, latest data shows.

The rolling average for new cases was up to 154, doubling from 75 the previous week.

On the other hand, the number of deaths was however down to 13 compared to 16 in the previous week, but continues to be a cause for concern for authorities.

“As of 20 December, Zimbabwe has now recorded 12 325 cases, 10 024 recoveries and 320 deaths, the Ministry of Health and Child Care said.

The data comes as President Emmerson Mnangagwa, in an end of year message on the Covid-19 situation on Saturday, warned against “complacency and recklessness” which has been attributed to the surge in new infections.

New infections had largely slowed down in the past three months.

President Mnangagwa said complacency through disregarding laid down Covid-19 regulations and restrictions threatened to reverse all the gains recorded since the outbreak of the virus.

“The biggest concern and danger to our national response is the fact that people are not complying with the current Covid-19 restrictions and preventive measures. I am urging you all to the right thing, wear a face mask and do the right thing to protect yourself and those around you,” the Head of State said.

“We have come a long way and had made good progress together, yet the danger of losing all the gains made so far is staring us in the face with new cases on the increase mostly due to the complacency we are witnessing in our communities.”

During the festive season, citizens were urged to strictly adhere to Covid-19 regulations, primarily the compulsory wearing of masks in public and social distancing, limiting unnecessary travel and the number of people at gatherings.

Prevention of new infection remains the country’s best defence against the virus as the country was not close to accessing vaccines, which a few developed countries have rolled out, he said.
New Ziana