President Mnangagwa says Zim fully prepared for COVID-19

Harare (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Monday urged Zimbabweans to take precautions against COVID-19 and said government was making every possible preparation to deal with an outbreak of the disease in the country.

The virus, which has now spread to South Africa, Zimbabwe’s southern neighbour having originated in China, has wracked unprecedented havoc across the globe, killing over 6 000 people and infecting more than 150 000 others.

It has severely knocked down stock markets, travel and food industries, school and sporting calendars worldwide.

In a statement, President Mnangagwa said the global pandemic posed a great threat to humanity.

As such, he said, Zimbabwe needed to fully prepare itself in the event of an outbreak

“As a nation we must stand strong. Strong and united. Strong and vigilant,” he said.

“We must act early and we must act sensibly. Currently we are one of the lucky nations (yet to record a positive case), however we must not rest on our laurels, preparation is key.”

Zimbabwe has set up three Covid-19 monitoring and treatment centres in Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls, all equipped with state of the art medical facilities.

China, where the disease has killed over 3 000 people and infected more than 100 000 others, has helped Zimbabwe prepare its medical facilities to handle Covid-19 cases, in the event of an outbreak.

A growing number of nations are also closing their borders, the latest the US, as they race to contain Covid-19 which has no cure yet.

President Mnangagwa said government was working with international organisations and global health experts to fully prepare the country.

“We will prepare our health sector to the best of our abilities and we are working to ensure that our doctors and nurses have the necessary know-how and equipment to deal with this threat,” he said

“My government will do all in its power to protect the people, however, the ultimate responsibility lies with you.”

President Mnangagwa urged Zimbabweans not to belittle the threat posed by COVID-19 and to refrain from taking unnecessary trips.

“We stand by our friends in the international community, my government empathises with the affected people around the globe and stands ready to assist in whatever ways within our capacity.

“We expect science to come up with solutions to this problem soon. Pandemics of this kind have a scientific explanation and like any other natural phenomena (they) cannot be blamed on anyone and know no boundaries,” he said.

“We send our condolences and our solidarity to all those who are already suffering and strength and good health to those in need.”
New Ziana