Zim to re-open churches to ‘vaccinated’ congregants

Harare (New Ziana)-Churches can now re-open only to Covid-19 vaccinated congregants, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said on Wednesday.

Zimbabwe is currently under a level 4 lockdown aimed at curbing the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under level 4 lockdown, schools, churches, gymnasiums , bars and nightclubs were closed as government battled to contain the spread of the Delta variant of Covid-19.

As of 10th August 2021, there were 117 258 cumulative positive Covid-19 cases, compared to109 546 reported last week.

The cumulative number of deaths reached 3 950, compared to the 3 583 reported last week.

But, on Wednesday, cabinet noted that the number of infections decreased slightly during the week under review, with 6 781 cases recorded, compared to the 11 652 reported the previous week.

Addressing the media during a post Cabinet meeting, Mutsvangwa said as part of the review of the lockdown regulations, only congregants who had received two Covid-19 shots would be allowed in church.

“Cabinet wishes to inform the public that churches can now allow sit-in congregants under the following conditions: Only congregants who have received two doses of the vaccine are allowed to attend;
“All Ministry of Health and Child Care and WHO protocols are adhered to, and those found in breach will be arrested, including the leaders of the churches,” she said.

As of 10th August 2021, a total of 1 912 592 persons had received the first dose of the COVID-19 Vaccine, 1 061 238 had received the second dose.

This translates to a national coverage of 22.3 percent and 12.3 percent for the first and second doses, respectively.

She said the vaccination programme would be ramped up in provinces with low uptake such as Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland West provinces, and Chitungwiza.

Mutsvangwa said assessment on the state of preparedness for the safe re-opening of schools was ongoing across all provinces.

“The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has redoubled efforts towards the targeted provision of tents, additional furniture, reliable water sources, ablution facilities, and the decongestion of teacher accommodation. Testing for COVID-19 is also being escalated in communities,” she said.

Mutsvangwa said private companies, hotels and other institutions can access vaccines upon payment of the requisite fees to the Ministry of Health and Child Care.

“This is on the provision that they seek authority from the Ministry for qualified persons to conduct the vaccination of their staff and or patrons. Special care should also be taken to ensure that standard equipment is used for vaccination,” she said.

New Ziana