Harare (New Ziana)-Zimbabwe on Tuesday reviewed its Covid-19 regulations to allow visitors from countries affected by the Delta variant to go home without quarantining, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa has said.
In a post Cabinet media briefing , Mutsvangwa said the decision was necessitated by the fact that 98 percent of Covid-19 cases in Zimbabwe were of the Delta variant.
“Following representations from the various sectors of the economy, Cabinet resolved and wishes to inform the nation as follows: considering that 98 percent of COVID-19 cases in Zimbabwe are of the Delta variant, there is no longer need to quarantine travellers from countries afflicted with the variant, such as India,” she said.
Mutsvangwa said ‘Cabinet noted a 30 percent decrease in the number of Covid-19 infections, with 1 785 cases having been recorded during the week under review, compared to the 2 564 reported the previous week.
“This reflects that the infection control measures being implemented by Government are yielding results. There has also been a corresponding decrease in the number of people in need of hospitalization for COVID-19,” she said.
In view of the reduction of Covid-19 cases, cinemas and theatres can now allow 50 percent sitting capacity of vaccinated clients to be served by vaccinated workers.
National arts galleries across the country will also be opened to vaccinated clients only, and that all workers should be vaccinated.
Sporting activities have also been allowed to resume, subject to strict observance of COVID-19 prevention measures and protocols.
“For all local activities in which the participants are below the age of 14, they shall, in all cases be checked for COVID-19 symptoms, have regular temperature checks and follow social distancing protocols.
“Athletes aged 14 to 18 years are highly recommended to get vaccinated, and the National Sports Associations can work with Sport and Recreation Commission to get this done,” said Mutsvangwa.
Gymnasiums, health spas, fitness centres, sports clubs will also be allowed to open only to vaccinated clientele while support staff at the institutions should also get the Covid-19 jab.
Schools opened for exam sitting students on Monday while the rest of the learners start the third term on September 6th.
Mutsvangwa said the Ministries of Health and Child Care; Primary and Secondary Education; and Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development were collaborating to ensure the safe and smooth re-opening of learning institutions.
“Standard Operating Procedures are being distributed to all schools in time for the reopening,” she said.
New Ziana
