Schools to re-open 7 February

Harare (New Ziana) –The Zimbabwe government on Friday said schools will re-open on February 7 this year following a Covid-19 induced extended break as it eases lockdown restrictions in light of declining new infections.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on New Year’s eve deferred indefinitely, the reopening of schools, which had been set for January 10 this year, citing high numbers of Covid-19 cases fueled by the Omicron variant.

Acting Health and Child Care Minister Professor Amon Murwira said Acting President General Constantino Chiwenga had eased the lockdown regulations following a decline in the number of new cases and deaths recorded over the past two weeks.

“The National COVID-19 epidemic curve is indicating that the 4th Wave is at its tail end and this wave appears to being brought under control,” he said.

Murwira said in addition to the schools re-opening, the curfew would now begin at midnight and end at 5:30 AM while restaurants and hotels offering catering services would be allowed to operate from 8 AM to 10 PM.

Sit-ins for such businesses should be allowed for fully vaccinated persons only.

Bars and night clubs will operate between 0800 hours and 2200 hours for vaccinated patrons only.

“All persons entering Zimbabwe must undergo a valid Covid-19 PCR test not more than 48 hours from the time of their departure for Zimbabwe. Those who do not have a valid negative PCR test and a certificate shall be denied entry into Zimbabwe.

“Quarantine for locals, returning residents and visitors is lifted for those fully vaccinated. The wearing of face masks in public places, especially public transport and closed space gatherings remain mandatory and must be enforced.”

Murwira encouraged eligible persons to get vaccinated.

“The provincial Covid-19 task-force teams are urged to increase their efforts in mobilising eligible members of the public to get vaccinated,” he said.

Zimbabwe is failing to reach its targeted vaccinated population to achieve head immunity owing to apathy among citizens, mostly in high density areas, who do not take the disease seriously either through sheer recklessness or lack of information.

New Ziana