Thousands Zimbabweans return from SA

Harare(New Ziana)-At least 13 500 Zimbabweans have returned home from South Africa fleeing the 21- day Covid-19 lockdown aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus in the neighbouring country, raising fears that new infections could rise, a Cabinet Minister said on Sunday.

The South African lockdown started on Friday while in Zimbabwe the 21- day- total lockdown begins on Monday.

Briefing the Harare Provincial Joint Operations Command on Government’s response to the Covid-19 virus ahead of the lockdown, Health and Child Care Minister Obadiah Moyo said there were fears that the new arrivals could lead to a rise in the number of infections if they do not adhere to self- quarantine measures.

“We have suddenly seen a large influx of returning residents through our Beitbridge border post. For instance we were advised that initially there was a group of 550 nationals who came from South Africa, having been returned by the South African government. That group we have recommended that they be put under self-quarantine at controllable venues.

“The second group we also advise that there is 4 000 nationals who were coming through that border. They followed by another group of 9 000 who also came through that border.

“We would like those people, 13 000 people to really exercise absolute self quarantine. We have advised the responsible authorities to make sure that they are monitored,” he said.

Moyo said the health officials would follow them up at their homes to ensure they self- isolate to curb spreading the disease.

“I want to re-emphasize again, they have to practice self- quarantine. The relevant authorities will come and monitor, immigration has the names and destinations of these 13 000 people and we want to make sure they are not the ones who will cause problems for us when in the meantime we have imposed the lockdown.They are to remain at their residences without moving out of those addresses and completely follow the self- quarantine regulations. We do not want them to spread that disease,” he said.

Zimbabwe has so far registered seven confirmed cases of Covid-19 and one death.

The Minister said the other six Covid-19 patients were recovering from their homes.

“It is important to note that the majority (more than 85 percent) of Covid-19 cases will have a mild to moderate disease and will recover without being hospitalised. In actual fact that is what we have seen with the current six cases,” he said.

New Ziana