Harare (New Ziana) – The United States Centre for Disease Control (U.S. CDC) has classified Zimbabwe in the “low risk” category of countries with the least threat of COVID-19.
In a risk assessment published this Monday, the U.S. CDC placed countries into various categories from low, moderate, high, very high while those that had obscure COVID-19 data were placed in the unknown category.
Zimbabwe, which was classified with other countries including Israel, one of the world’s most vaccinated countries, has recorded a cumulative 39 321 cases since the pandemic broke out last year, including 36 756 recoveries and 1 617 deaths.
On top of having fairly managed its infections through strict lockdowns and enforcement of health safety protocols, the Southern African nation has also embarked on a widely commended vaccination program.
The inoculation program has so far seen just over a million Zimbabweans receiving at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Zimbabwe has made use of multiple vaccines including the Chinese made Sinopharm and Sinovac jabs, the Indian made Covaxin and is now awaiting arrival of the Russian made Sputnik V to broaden its vaccination program.
Already, a deliberate approach to vaccinate the entire adult population in Victoria Falls has enabled the resort city to attain herd immunity and to resume normal tourism activities.
Zimbabwe’s inoculation programme has been rated well ahead of all mainland SADC countries in terms of procurement and administration of Covid-19 vaccines.
Meanwhile, under the moderate category, the U.S. CDC lists 21 countries including Angola, Zambia, Kenya and Barbados, along with a travel warning.
“Make sure you are fully vaccinated before traveling to these destinations (under the Moderate category). Unvaccinated travelers who are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 should avoid nonessential travel to these destinations,” it said.
Under the very high category, 61 countries including Lesotho, Namibia, Egypt and the DRC are listed.
“Avoid travel to these destinations. If you must travel to these destinations, make sure you are fully vaccinated before travel.”
The U.S. CDC is the national public health agency of the United States whose main goal is to protect public health and safety through the control and prevention of disease, injury, and disability in the US and worldwide.
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