Zim declares Covid-19 national disaster

Harare(New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Tuesday declared the global Covid-19 pandemic a national disaster, and banned all public events and gatherings, including next month’s independence celebrations, as part of precautionary measures against the disease.

The government also shut down all of the country’s small border entry points as part of the measures, which take immediate effect.

In an address to the nation, President Mnangagwa said although Zimbabwe was still coronavirus-free, appropriate preventative measures were needed to tackle the pandemic.

“Government has decided that the Coronavirus pandemic be declared a national disaster. This allows Government to mobilise resources and take necessary measures in dealing with the pandemic.

“With immediate effect, and for a unified and coordinated effort, I have directed that our national disaster management machinery extend its mandate and focus to dealing with the pandemic, with the Ministry of Health and Child Care as the lead agency,” he said.

President Mnangagwa said screening for Covid-19 would be stepped up at all border entry points that will be left open, as will at all government facilities such as offices.

He encouraged Zimbabweans to postpone foreign travel that was not urgent, and foreign nationals – especially from worst Covid-19 affected countries – to also put off traveling to Zimbabwe for now.

Public anxiety about Covid-19 has heightened in Zimbabwe in recent weeks after neighbouring South Africa reported confirmed cases, which are increasing daily.

“Travellers from high risk countries are encouraged to postpone their travel arrangements to Zimbabwe for the next 30 days starting from March 20. Equally, Zimbabweans are discouraged from travelling to, through and from high risk countries during the same period,”President Mnangagwa said.

“While our major entry points into the country will remain operational, screening, testing and other WHO recommended measures will be enforced vigorously. All designated small border crossings will stand closed from now until further notice,” he said.

When asked why Zimbabwe was keeping borders open, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe’s neighbours had also not closed their borders.

“The key challenge we all face is balancing effective measures that are necessary and have to be taken, against the need to ensure our societies and economies continue to function optimally for common, collective good. This is no easy balance,” he said.

Independence celebrations, marking 40 years of Uhuru that had been penciled for the country’s second city, Bulawayo, have been postponed, President Mnangagwa said.

Also cancelled is the country’s premier trade show, the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, annually in April in Bulawayo which normally attracts hundreds of international exhibitors.

“In that respect, Government has postponed the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, all national independence celebrations previously planned, and pending international sporting fixtures until the threat of coronavirus recedes. Resources originally earmarked for these events will now be redirected towards strengthening our defences against coronavirus, and towards drought mitigation,” he said.

President Mnangagwa said gatherings of more than 100 people, including for worship and weddings, were suspended for the next 60 days, after which the suspension would be reviewed.

But schools have been kept open.

“In view of the fact that school are only two weeks away from the end of the first term, Government has decided to keep them open, with standard screening precautions,” he said.

President Mnangagwa ordered government premises to be equipped for coronavirus screening as part of the precautions, and commended stakeholders in the health sector for assisting in the national preparations for the fight against Covid-19.

“We thank our local, bilateral, international and multilateral partners for offering a helping hand, including additional funding, training, and the upgrading and equipping of designated health facilities for effective response,” he said.

New Ziana