No relaxation of Covid-19 regulations – Cabinet

Harare (New Ziana) – Cabinet on Tuesday resolved that existing protocols aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19 will remain in place despite the decrease in cases, acting Health and Child Care Minister Prof Paul Mavima has said.

As of 11 April, 2022, Zimbabwe’s cumulative Covid-19 cases stood at 247 010, with 240 496 recoveries and 5 460 deaths.

The recovery rate was 97 percent with 1 054 active cases being recorded.

Addressing journalists after the weekly Cabinet meeting , Mavima said Covid-19 restrictions remained in place and must be adhered to.

He said although the country was recording a drop in Covid-19 cases, Cabinet did not relax the regulations, taking into consideration the coming national holidays and impending winter weather.

“Cabinet made a resolution today to make sure there is no relaxation on the existing provisions to contain Covid-19.” So everything remains as it is despite gains that we have seen in terms of reduced cases of Covid-19 .

“There is potential for movement and gathering during Easter and Independence celebrations and we are also approaching winter weather which will actually promote the spread of Covid-19.

” So government has said no relaxation whatsoever and we continue to be on watch, making sure that we are observing those provisions. So there is nothing that has changed, ” he said.

He added :” There must be social distancing, masking up, sanitisation and vaccination. Covid-19 has not ended despite that we have seen a drop in the number of new infections.”

There have been calls for the government to abandon Covid-19 protocols such as the restrictions on public gatherings and wearing of face masks in public following the implementation of such by neighbouring countries.

Acting Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Jenfan Muswere urged citizens to continue adhering to Covid-19 protocols.

“The nation is also being advised to remain vigilant as winter is fast approaching and the country readies for the Easter and Independence Day holidays. Accordingly, all citizens are urged to continue adhering to the laid down World Health Organisation protocols at all times.
New Ziana