Harare(New Ziana)-The Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) said on Tuesday it has received positive feedback that the retail and wholesale sectors in the country are complying with the lockdown regulations.

Zimbabwe re-introduced a stringent lockdown this month as cases of COVID-19 rose sharply at the end of last year.

The country first introduced a strict lockdown in March last year but had gradually eased the restrictions as the disease appeared to be under control.

CZR president Denford Matashu said a survey which they carried out found that since the lockdown began most shops had ensured that wearing of face masks was compulsory to employees and customers.

“Most retail outlets and wholesales have ensured that customer traffic into shops is limited to promote social distancing while the number of canteen chairs was reduced and spaced in the process,” he said.

Mutashu said temperature checks at entrances were mandatory with many retailers installing screen guards at till points to reduce direct interface between operators and customers while each serving area was sanitized.

He said till operators were sanitizing their hands constantly after handling cash and customer swipe cards.

Most shops were pre-packing fruits and vegetables to prevent customers from touching them with bare hands thereby lowering risks of spreading the Covid 19 virus.

“It is encouraging that shops have complied with opening and closing times of 0800hrs to 1500hrs,” said Mutashu.

He urged customers to do their shopping within the stipulated times and avoid rushing to shops towards closing times.

Mutashu urged the public to religiously wear face masks, sanitize, practice social distancing avoid unnecessary movements.

New Ziana