Harare, (New Ziana) – The police on Wednesday warned the public against wayward New Year celebrations that will break Covid-19 lockdown regulations as the year 2020 comes to a close with just a day to go.

While ordinarily the New Year’s eve is celebrated through holding of various kinds of all night outdoor festivities, the police said this year would be different as celebrations will be indoors following the 10PM to 6AM curfew among other lockdown measures imposed by government to curtail the spread of the coronavirus.

“Members of the public are warned that the country is still under Covid-19 national lockdown and all regulations put in place by the government for health, safety and security are still in force,” said police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi.

“No all night prayers, musical galas or concerts are allowed. Beerhalls, night club operators should take note that they are yet to be allowed to operate.”

The police will intensify patrols and blitzs to ensure that the law is observed, he said.

Zimbabwe is battling a resurgence of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has in the past few weeks seen the country recording on average over 100 cases on a daily basis, up from less than 50 three months ago.

Since March, the country has recorded 13 325 infections and 359 deaths, amid fears these could rise with a new more dangerous variant of the virus having been detected in neighbouring South Africa.

Nyathi urged parents and guardians to protect their children during the festivities, especially the girl child, after police recorded a jump in rape cases on Christmas Day.
New Ziana